Senator Ned Nwoko has accused senior figures within his current political party of reneging on a pre-defection agreement that, he claims, guaranteed him an automatic senatorial ticket ahead of the upcoming elections.
Speaking to supporters during a gathering addressing recent developments in the party’s primary process, the lawmaker said he felt “betrayed” by what he described as a clear understanding reached before he switched allegiance from his former platform.
“I was promised automatic ticket before joining the party,” Nwoko told the crowd, suggesting that the agreement influenced his decision to defect. “What we are seeing now is not what we agreed.”
The remarks come amid growing friction within party ranks as internal primaries approach, with multiple aspirants reportedly contesting for the same senatorial seat. Nwoko’s claims point to broader concerns about transparency and internal democracy within political parties, a recurring issue in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
While the senator did not name specific individuals responsible for the alleged breach, party insiders indicate that negotiations and informal assurances often accompany high-profile defections—though such agreements are rarely documented publicly. Political analysts note that disputes of this nature can weaken party cohesion, especially in the lead-up to tightly contested elections.
Efforts to obtain an official response from party leadership were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. However, sources within the party suggest that the primary process will proceed as scheduled, emphasizing that all aspirants are expected to compete on a “level playing field.”
Nwoko’s supporters have since voiced frustration, warning that sidelining the senator could have political consequences in the constituency. Some have called for intervention by party elders to resolve the dispute before it escalates further.
The development adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex political season, where alliances, defections, and internal negotiations continue to shape the electoral map. Whether the disagreement will be resolved internally or spill into a broader political confrontation remains to be seen.