Delta North Primary: Group Rejects Outcome, Alleges Massive Irregularities, Backs Ned Nwoko

A pressure group in Delta North Senatorial District has rejected the outcome of the senatorial primary election held on May 18, 2026, alleging widespread irregularities, manipulation, and vote buying during the exercise.

Speaking at a press conference, the group’s leader, Dr. Chris Okobah, described the primary as a “political fraud” and called for an immediate review and cancellation of the results allegedly announced in favour of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

The group maintained that Senator Ned Nwoko remained the “only credible aspirant” and the preferred choice of delegates and party members across Anioma land.

According to Okobah, the primary election failed to meet basic democratic standards, alleging that many party officials did not appear at designated venues while delegates were allegedly subjected to intimidation and inducement.

“We address you today with a wounded heart and a firm commitment to defend the will of the people,” he said.

He further alleged that the election process was marred by manipulation, violence, disruption, and the suppression of genuine voters.

The group claimed that records from the field showed that Nwoko secured overwhelming support across the 98 wards in the senatorial district, insisting that video evidence, ward reports, and agents’ accounts contradicted the official outcome being circulated.

Okobah alleged that the manipulation began before election day, claiming that electoral panel members were allegedly isolated in government lodges and influenced by powerful political interests.

He also accused some returning officers of having close ties to the state government, alleging that several officials failed to appear at polling venues despite the large turnout of delegates.

“There was no proper accreditation, no transparent voting, no honest counting, and no genuine collation,” the group alleged.

The group further accused unnamed political actors of distributing money to delegates and threatening party members in a bid to influence the process.

Okobah argued that Anioma people deserved credible representation and leadership founded on integrity, while also referencing the ongoing issues surrounding Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigations involving Okowa.

Rejecting the primary results in their entirety, the group demanded a full review of the exercise, cancellation of all allegedly manipulated outcomes, and accountability for individuals involved in what it described as “an assault on democracy.”

“Anioma deserves democracy, not deception. Anioma deserves justice, not intimidation,” the group stated.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Ifeanyi Okowa nor the party leadership had officially responded to the allegations.