Norbert Akachukwu Sochukwudinma, Senior Special Assistant to the APC National Chairman on Local Government Affairs, addressed the circumstances surrounding Senator Ned Nwoko’s entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the controversies surrounding the party’s Delta North senatorial primary in a recent interview on Arise TV.…....
“Ned Nwoko called me at about 11:45 p. m. and said, ‘I want to move to your party,’” Sochukwudinma said in the interview. He made the comment in response to inquiries regarding the senator’s political interaction with APC stakeholders before he officially became a member of the party.
The late-night phone conversation signaled the start of initial discussions prior to Nwoko’s defection, according to Sochukwudinma, who also said that he counseled the senator to interact appropriately with party structures and leadership at all levels.
According to him, such discussions are common in internal party politics, particularly for well-known politicians who are attempting to become a part of established party structures.
He claims that the APC has a well-defined system that demands that candidates establish connections with ward leaders, local government officials, and other stakeholders before running for office.
Additionally, Sochukwudinma took the opportunity to highlight that within the party, established procedures—rather than informal assurances or individual popularity—are what govern internal democracy.
He maintained that political misunderstandings frequently result from not being in sync with these structures, especially during primaries where party loyalty and grassroots participation are essential.
The APC leader argued that external allegations of manipulation should not be used to judge the results of the Delta North senatorial primary, but rather the framework of the party organization and participation.
Additionally, he emphasized that while the party is still open to all members, it anticipates respect for its regulations, procedures for consultation, and democratic internal procedures.
Sochukwudinma ended by highlighting that political success within the APC is mostly contingent upon constant interaction with party institutions and adherence to collective decision-making processes, which he claimed are necessary for preserving stability and integrity in the party system.
