Political tensions have escalated within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after Senator Ned Nwoko rejected the outcome of the party’s senatorial primary election, describing the results as fraudulent and alleging widespread manipulation during collation.

In a statement issued through his legal and campaign team in Asaba on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Nwoko dismissed the declared results of the primary, insisting that they did not reflect the actual votes cast by delegates across the senatorial district.

His team alleged that irregularities occurred during the collation process, including the alleged alteration of figures by returning officers. They further claimed to possess what they described as “ward-by-ward documentary evidence” supporting Nwoko’s victory.

“We are completely rejecting this flawed outcome because it does not reflect the reality of the ballots cast,” a member of his legal team said. “We have ward-level documentation that clearly shows the true outcome of the election.”

The rejection has deepened divisions within the Delta APC, with party stakeholders split between those endorsing the primary process and those backing Nwoko’s challenge. The dispute has triggered internal tensions that political observers say could affect the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The APC has since activated its National Assembly Primaries Appeal Committee for Delta State, chaired by Dr. Chukwuemeka Ujam, to review petitions arising from the exercise. The committee confirmed it has received multiple complaints relating to both the senatorial and House of Representatives primaries.

Dr. Ujam said the panel would examine the petitions in line with party guidelines and ensure a thorough review of all submitted evidence. He added that the committee would maintain neutrality and follow due process in reaching its conclusions.

Nwoko’s camp is reportedly preparing formal petitions to the appeal panel, insisting on a full audit of the election results and collation process.

Political analysts say the dispute underscores growing tensions within the Delta APC, as rival factions intensify efforts to secure party tickets ahead of the next electoral cycle. The outcome of the appeal process is expected to determine whether the party presents a united front or heads into the 2027 elections divided.