Delta's Political Shakeup: A Peek into Tony Nwaka's Journey and the APC's Attraction
Political Switch: Previous Critics of My APC Action Now Wave Party Banners - Former Delta Commissioner
In a light-hearted reflection, ex-Delta State Commissioner for Education, Dr Tony Nwaka, shares his odyssey through the political landscape, candidly revealing the irony of those who once scoffed at his shift to the All Progressives Congress (APC) now joining the same party.
Back in the day, following Nwaka's embrace of the APC, he faced a storm of criticism. Notable among his detractors was none other than former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) luminaries in the state—all of whom have now made their way to the APC.
Nwaka took readers on a stroll down memory lane, recalling the derision he endured more than four years ago. During the 2023 election campaign period, he stood tall as one of the few in Delta State openly backing the APC.
"It was just one APC billboard flying across both lanes of every road in Asaba, the state capital—a sight that would be familiar before the 2022 primary election for the 2023 general elections," Nwaka reminisced. The billboard's caption read, "YOU KNOW ME, I KNOW YOU", a phrase that soon became synonymous with vivacious banter.
Nwaka's APC promotional materials were not just a target for strangers; even close acquaintances and relatives joined the chorus of mockery.
*"I've been called names like 'Ooh look at Nwaka, he's joined the APC!' or 'Nwaka's carrying a broom now!' or 'Is he ashamed? His billboards are the only APC ones in Asaba!'" Nwaka chuckled, quasi-recanting the comments that echoed in his mind.
Some went so far as to call him on the phone, imploring Nwaka to take down the APC banners and return to the PDP.
Unyielding in the face of such criticism and even in the wake of not securing a victory at the polls and missing out on political appointments, Nwaka chose to stay put with the APC. The political landscape in Delta State is now dotted with APC flags, banners, and billboards, providing Nwaka with a sense of relief and joy.
As a former chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Nwaka offered fellow politicians encouragement, assuring them not to let the jibes deter them when standing alone. He asserted that outcomes are ultimately decided by divine will, rather than popular sentiment.
Nugget of Insight
The political transformation in Delta State is largely a strategic, pragmatic move by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with the entire state PDP structure, to align with the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu. This shift is portrayed as a move to forge strategic connections and secure benefits for Delta State.
*** What does this mean for the political discourse in Delta State? ***
"This shift indicates a pragmatic approach to—or rather, a long-awaited realization of—the necessity for Delta State's politicians to collaborate with the federal government to secure benefits and resources for the state," argues political analyst, Tomi Akinnaso. However, we might witness a power play as those who quit the PDP seek to cement their position within the APC hierarchy.
*** APC's Frosty Future - PDP South South Chairman ****** Defection to APC Is a Matter of Survival - LP Rep, Ogene ****** 'Let Them Go' - Tension Grips PDP As Akwa-Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, BoT Members Plot Defection to APC*** Okowa: I Am Closer to the Centre Than Some Politicians - Gov Otti ****** Abure Is Out, I'm Not Leaving LP - Gov Otti ****** How Tinubu Predicted PDP's Collapse in Delta - Sen. Nwoko
- Tony Nwaka, a former Delta State Commissioner for Education, is now rejoicing as irony unfolds, seeing the former critics of his APC shift, such as current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, joining the same party.
- In the 2023 election campaign period, Nwaka stood out as one of the few Delta State residents openly supporting the APC, despite faceing criticism and derision, even from his own relatives.
- Some political analysts believe that the mass movements of politicians from the PDP to the APC are a strategic, pragmatic move to align with the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu, aiming to secure benefits and resources for their respective states.
- On the flip side, this power play within the APC hierarchy may lead to a power struggle, as those who defected seek to cement their positions.
- The political discourse in Delta State is now taking a different turn, with the APC becoming more visible, and politicians like Nwaka showing resilience in the face of criticism.
- The APC's future in the South South region, and in Delta State specifically, remains uncertain, as various other political parties are also vying for influence, fueling tensions.
- The migration of politicians from the PDP to the APC in Delta State showcases the necessity for collaboration and alignment with the federal government, given the potential benefits and resources that can be secured.
