A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, has declared that following an existing zoning arrangement, it’s the turn of Ndokwa Nation to produce the next Delta North Senator in 2027.
The former Delta State PDP chairman and seasoned politician stated this during an interview with selected journalists in Delta, stressing the need for fairness, equity, and adherence to zoning arrangements in the senatorial district.
Reflecting on his decades-long political journey, Senator Nwaoboshi highlighted the historical zoning arrangement within Delta North. According to him, the senatorial seat has traditionally rotated among the three key blocs in the district: Ndokwa, Ika, and Aniocha-Oshimili. Each bloc has held positions meant for Delta North for 12 years, and with the completion of Aniocha-Oshimili’s turn in the Senate, he emphasized that it would be morally wrong for the federal constituency to attempt to retain the position.
“In 2027, it is the turn of Ndokwa Nation to produce the senator for Delta North. Equity, justice, and fairness demand it. I was part of the group that ensured this zoning arrangement was upheld in the past, and I remain committed to it,” Nwaoboshi asserted.
He further recounted how the principle of equity guided past decisions, including when Chief Osakwe stepped down for Okowa, who later became governor for 8 years after serving 4 years in the Senate, representing the Ika nation in two positions meant for Delta North as a whole for 12 years. “The historical precedents and our commitment to fairness must guide us now. I have the capacity to run for the Senate, but I will not undermine the agreement that has ensured stability in Delta North politics,” he emphasized.
The man popularly called the “political oracle” in Delta State provided the background to his position on zoning, saying: “When we returned to Delta State after the election of national officers in Abuja, I became the secretary, and Late Senator Osakwe emerged as the senatorial candidate, serving twelve years in the Senate.” Afterward, “we approached him and told him that we have the Ndokwa block, Ika block, and Aniocha-Oshimili block. You have all the money, but it is essential for other blocks to produce the senator in the spirit of equity after your three tenures in the senate.” Chief Osakwe accepted and stepped down for Okowa to emerge. Nwaoboshi praised Late Senator Patrick Osakwe of Ndokwa Nation, who represented Delta North in the Senate from 1999 to 2015, for relinquishing the position and allowing power rotation to take root in Delta North. “It takes a statesman to listen to his people and respect agreements. Chief Osakwe stepped down, and Okowa emerged.”
He noted that it was Governor Uduaghan who sent for him. “He asked me to remain as chairman and do a second term. I accepted, saying I would abide by his decision. He then asked me to inform Okowa about our resolution. Okowa was in Warri, and I called him, instructing him to prepare for the senate. He initially hesitated but eventually accepted after verifying with Governor Uduaghan.
“Okowa went on to serve in the senate, and later, he became the governor. I asked, do people still remember history? When Uduaghan finished his term, it was Delta North’s turn, following the principle of equity, justice, and fair play. Okowa indicated interest in the governorship and emerged as the candidate.
“I was approached by Chief James Ibori to run for the senate in accordance with our zoning arrangement. Today, the three blocks in Delta North have each completed twelve years in office. If I were to run for the senate now, it would be morally wrong, as I was part of the group that asked Chief Osakwe to step down.”
Addressing the ongoing crisis in Delta APC, Senator Nwaoboshi criticized the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee for exacerbating tensions instead of fostering unity. He described the committee’s proposals, including the creation of a “Leadership Council” and a co-chair arrangement between Senator Omo-Agege and a serving minister, as unconstitutional and counterproductive.
“When you form a political party, there’s a constitution that guides you. Creating an organ outside the party constitution is not only illegal but also a recipe for chaos. The proposal to have Senator Omo-Agege, a former Deputy Senate President, co-chair with a minister is not only illogical but also disrespectful to the hierarchy defined by the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.
Senator Nwaoboshi accused the reconciliation committee of acting out of personal ambition, noting that its actions have deepened divisions within the party. “This crisis predates some of us joining APC. There were two factions led by Omo-Agege and Barrister Festus Keyamo. The Omo-Agege group prevailed in the last congress, but now the Keyamo faction, emboldened by a ministerial appointment, is trying to assert dominance. This is unacceptable,” he added.
He also stressed the need for the Delta North bloc to produce the next APC state chairman, insisting that it was the region’s turn after Delta South held the position for eight years under Prophet Jones Erue. “Delta North must produce the next state chairman to maintain peace and equity within the party. Any attempt to deny us this right will further polarize the party,” he warned.
Senator Nwaoboshi also called for adherence to established principles of fairness and urged party members to prioritize unity and the overall progress of the APC in Delta State. “If we must build a stronger APC in Delta, we must put aside personal interests and focus on equity, fairness, and the party’s collective success,” he said.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Nwaoboshi’s position underscores the importance of zoning and fair representation in ensuring political stability and inclusivity in Delta North and beyond.
