Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, has accused governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of intimidating party members and preventing senators from exercising their freedom of choice in the National Assembly leadership election held on June 13. During a reception in his honor at his country home in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Nwoko expressed his belief that the election was not as peaceful as it seemed to the public. He drew an analogy with ducks or geese floating on the water, appearing calm on the surface while their legs paddle furiously beneath. Nwoko claimed that APC governors were present to intimidate party members, depriving them of the opportunity to make independent decisions. He also alleged that advisers to the President were exerting pressure on those susceptible to intimidation. Nwoko emphasized that the election was a contest within the APC, and if it had involved other parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or Labour Party, the outcome might have been different. However, he acknowledged that one of the APC candidates, Yari, accepted the result. Looking ahead, Nwoko expressed hope that the Minority Leader and other principal officers would soon be appointed, allowing for progress in addressing various issues, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment, and youth empowerment.
