The senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, has raised the alarm over alleged plans to manipulate the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in the district.
Nwoko is contesting the ticket alongside former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC last year.
In a statement on Monday by the Director General of his campaign organisation, Ekene Kerry, Nwoko accused agents of the state government of attempting to frustrate the will of the people.
The statement alleged that despite Nwoko’s popularity, “the Delta State government has made it a priority to block his emergence.”
“They are acting on the orders of former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who has declared his intent to return to the Senate despite his rejection by Deltans in 2023,” it added.
The campaign organisation alleged that the panel sent to conduct the primary had been compromised.
“The panel sent to conduct the primaries has been held hostage.
“State machinery has been mobilised, with state government appointees acting as returning officers at ward and LGA levels to write results in favour of Dr Okowa.
“There are threats to defy the APC National Headquarters directive to transmit all results to Abuja, out of fear of Senator Nwoko’s popularity.
“Our supporters are being threatened with violence,” the statement claimed.
The campaign called on the APC national leadership and security agencies to ensure a free, fair and credible primary.
“Let it be clear: No one has a monopoly on violence, as our supporters will not be intimidated nor cowed into supporting a former governor rejected by his people in 2023.
“To our supporters across Delta North: Do not be intimidated. Turn out massively and peacefully. Return Senator Ned Nwoko to the 11th Assembly,” the statement added.