By Deborah Coker
An interest group, Concerned APC Stakeholders and Democracy Advocates in Delta North Senatorial District, says the will of the people must be allowed to prevail in the politics of the district within the party.
This is contained in a statement issued by the group and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.
The group said d that it was truly unfortunate and disappointing to witness the level of political manipulation and desperation currently playing out within the APC structure in the state.
NAN reports that the group spoke against the backdrop of the developments in the Delta North senatorial seat presently occupied by Sen. Ned Nwoko.
It said that Nwoko didn’t need to personally visit or consult anyone before declaring his intention to contest the senatorial seat again, as every politically-aware individual already understood that a serving senator was constitutionally and politically entitled to seek a second tenure.
“Democracy gives every elected representative the right to complete their mandate through the will of the people, not through intimidation, political rigging or selfish interests.
“The question many Nigerians and Delta North people are asking today is simple: Why the sudden attempt to frustrate a man who is only seeking to continue the mandate freely given to him by the people?
“Is the problem because he refused to ‘settle’ certain political figures? Is politics now about who gives money to party leaders instead of who truly represents the interest of the people?
“It is painful that some individuals want to replace a performing senator with a politician who had already occupied major positions for years,” it said.
The statement further asked how someone who had served multiple tenures in office, including serving as governor for eight years, would still want to continue to dominate the political space.
“Delta belongs to all of us, not to a selected group of political power brokers.
“The people of Anioma nation are becoming increasingly concerned that there is an intentional fear and resistance against the political rise and unity of Anioma people.
“Truth be told, Anioma deserves fair representation, respect and equal political opportunity like every other part of the state.
“This is a democratic era, not a period where personal interests and backdoor arrangements should override the voice of the people.
“APC in Delta must understand that democracy thrives on fairness, transparency and internal justice — not manipulation and imposition,” the group emphasised.
According to it, Nwoko should be allowed to complete his tenure and seek re-election freely through a credible democratic process.
“If the people no longer want him, let them decide through their votes, not through political conspiracy or calculated exclusion. The era of imposing candidates against the wishes of the people is gradually coming to an end.
“Delta North deserves credible leadership, fairness and a political system built on merit and accountability.
“We therefore call on the leadership of APC in Delta to uphold justice, fairness and democracy by ensuring that no individual or group manipulates the process for selfish political gain.
“The voice of the people must be respected,” the group concluded.
(NAN)