The ongoing electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presents an important moment for reflection and renewal within the party, Senator Ned Nwoko has stated.
Senator Nwoko, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, gave the advice via a political platform on Friday.
He called on all APC members across the senatorial district and Delta State to act now, noting that a party that loses touch with its grassroots loses its soul.
He said credible leadership begins with accurate records, active members, and transparent processes.
According to Senator Nwoko, this exercise is how the party rebuilds trust, reinforces structure, and prepares for victory.
He indicated that this is the moment to choose relevance over indifference, urging longstanding members who have carried the party through the years to ensure they are properly captured.
He also said new members who believe in the APC’s mission of national renewal and economic reform must step forward and formally take their place, stressing that history rewards participation, not hesitation. “Let us seize this moment, strengthen our base, and reaffirm the APC as a party organised to win and prepared to govern,” he stated.
Senator Nwoko further said: “As a party, we must continuously strengthen our internal systems if we are to deliver on our promises to the Nigerian people.
“Strong institutions, unity of purpose, and active citizen engagement remain essential to democratic growth and sustainable development.
“I remain steadfast in my support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the broader APC leadership as we work collectively to consolidate democracy, deepen governance reforms, and advance meaningful development across Delta North and Nigeria.”
Senator Ned Nwoko has disputed the recent negative drug test result of his estranged wife, Regina Daniels, claiming it is evidence of short-term abstinence rather than genuine sobriety.
In a statement on his official X account, Nwoko’s communication team argued that recovery and accountability require sustained effort and professional support, not just social media posts.
“Temporary abstinence does not erase the underlying challenges that brought this situation to light. Recovery and accountability are not matters for social media posts or public engagement; they require sustained effort, honesty, and a genuine engagement with professional support,” the statement reads.
The statement also questioned the conditions under which the test was conducted, citing earlier assessments from reputable centers in Nigeria and South Africa that showed Daniels tested positive for substances like cocaine and marijuana.
He claimed he tried to support Daniels privately before the matter became public but she denied needing help.
“In contrast, earlier findings of drugs and alcohol use were established through assessments conducted by two independent, reputable centres in Nigeria and South Africa.
“These reports were professionally compiled, formally documented, and will be presented and defended in court, and the centres involved will be subpoenaed to testify to their findings.
“Presenting a later negative result as proof that no prior use occurred is misleading and disingenuous. At best, it reflects abstinence over a period of time. It does not invalidate earlier medical reports, nor does it negate what necessitated intervention in the first place.
“Renaming it does not alter its chemical composition, its risks, or its impact on judgment and stability.
“Moreover, temporary abstinence, whether for weeks or months, does not address the underlying issues that brought this situation to where it is today. Healing is not episodic, and accountability is not performative.”
Nwoko is referencing a court judgment that granted him custody of their children, stating that Daniels should undergo supervised therapy.
“When the court gave judgment in favour of Senator Ned having custody, and dismissed all unsubstantiated human rights abuse claims brought forward last year, the court order stated that Regina should go for supervised therapy with evidence of same.
“We did not make it a time for public show. Senator Ned gave Regina a window to quietly seek the needed help. He acted discreetly, keeping matters out of the media while encouraging access to professional care so she could maintain a meaningful relationship with her children.
“It is therefore inaccurate to suggest consistent sobriety or to dismiss prior findings. A single test, taken at a time of one’s choosing, does not outweigh documented assessments conducted independently and professionally.”
The public feud between the couple started in October 2025, with Daniels accusing Nwoko of domestic violence and coercion, which he denies, attributing the issues to her alleged substance use disorder.
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has addressed recent social media claims by his estranged wife, actress Regina Daniels, regarding access to their two sons, Munir and Khalifa.
In a statement released by his communication team on Tuesday, titled “Take the Window of Quietude for Therapy,” Nwoko refutes allegations that he is deliberately preventing Daniels from seeing the children or exploiting them publicly.
The statement described Daniels’ posts as misleading and inconsistent with established family practices.
It noted that sharing family moments with the children has long been a tradition, adding that Daniels herself has frequently posted photos and videos of not only her own children but also those of Nwoko’s other wives, without prior concerns about privacy or exploitation.
Nwoko’s team emphasised that Daniels’ absence from the children’s lives has been voluntary, stating she has prioritised social engagements and nightlife over consistent presence, while the children are in a stable environment focused on routine and emotional well-being.
He also added that an Abuja court has directed that Regina Daniels must undergo drug rehabilitation and be assessed by the Abuja Social Welfare Department before regaining access to the children.
The matter is adjourned to February 4, 2026, for the substantive hearing.
The dispute escalated publicly in October 2025 with allegations of substance abuse and domestic issues, leading to this custody focused development.
A popular notion that oil and water don’t mix aptly explains one of the reasons the relationship between two Nigerian politicians, Ned Nwoko and Natasha Osawaru, and two Nigerian entertainers, 2baba Idibia and Regina Daniels, has enjoyed little or no peace since they announced their relationship.
First was Senator Ned Nwoko whose six-year-old marriage to Regina is in turmoil. After months of speculation, the marital crisis was confirmed by both parties, and today, the centre can no longer hold. Currently, 2Baba’s six-month-old marriage to Edo lawmaker, Natasha, is in trouble. The union is wobbling, tottering, and currently being tossed by the wave of sheer instability. From fanfare to warfare. From fun and merriment to pain and sorrow. Celebrity and their marriages to politicians are critiqued in this feature by The Nation’s Entertainment Editor, GBENGA BADA.
Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels
The relationship that exists between film star, Regina Daniels and Nigerian politician cum senator, Ned Nwoko, has consistently found attractive spots since their marriage was contracted in 2019.
At the inception of the union in 2019, the media was awash with their seeming gap of 39 years as their age difference – Nwoko, 64 and Regina, 25. Some even speculated that she was way below 19 during her traditional marriage, but Nwoko has dispelled the allegations insisting she was of ripe age when they contracted the marriage, according to the customs and tradition of the Anioma people.
The public space, for a total of six years, has been awash with their love story, which is undoubtedly riddled with controversies. The union lasted for a period of 72 months, until the film star decided to call it quits, after which she claimed domestic abuse, and the politician alleged she was battling drug addiction. Sadly, ever since their union kicked off, the estranged pair have been in the news for various reasons ranging from extra-marital affairs to the birth of children, to the exchange of expensive gifts and recently drug and domestic abuse allegations.
Between 2020 and 2022, the couple welcomed their two children – Munir Neji Ned Nwoko, June 2020; and Khalifa Chiamaka Ned Nwoko, June 2022.
In 2024, social media was abuzz when Regina deactivated her social media accounts and claimed that actress Chika Ike was allegedly pregnant with Ned Nwoko’s child, and was to become his wife, which took over the airwaves. While both parties swiftly denied the rumours, it reignited old speculations about Nwoko’s polygamous tendencies and the pressures Regina might be facing in the marriage.
The couple had gone through the phase of extra-marital affairs with claims that Ned, a confessed polygamist, was planning to take another wife. The pair were able to weather the storm and remained together until 2025.
Senator Nwoko has claimed that Regina’s brother and her assistant are the drug couriers aiding his estranged wife to get an unlimited supply of drugs. In response, Regina admitted being on drugs but insisted that Nwoko always wanted her more sexually when she’s on drugs – a claim the Senator is yet to deny or admit.
2Baba and Natasha
Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, has always been in the news for two major reasons – music and women – in the last three decades of his career as a performing artist.
Notorious for having children with several women outside wedlock, he eventually decided to settle down with Nollywood actress, Annie Macaulay in May 2012.
However, the marriage only lasted 13 years and produced two children: Isabella and Olivia. All through the 13 years, allegations of infidelity and drug abuse rocked the Idibias’ marriage for the better part of the time it lasted. Speculations were rife that 2Baba was neck deep in love with Natasha while he was still married to Annie – a situation some allegedly said drove Annie into drug abuse. He was also alleged to have been enjoying amorous relationships with other women.
Just when Nigerians and fans of 2Baba were settling into 2025 in January, the ‘African Queen’ announced his separation from Annie and plans to file for divorce.
Shortly after the announcement, 2Baba announced his relationship with Hon Natasha Osawaru, a lawmaker at the Edo state house of assembly and granddaughter of the Esama of Benin, Chief Igbinedion.
Their relationship was initially rejected with 2Baba’s mother kicking against it and some of his brothers expressing disappointment in the singer’s decision.
On July 25, 2025 – six months after his separation from Annie – 2baba married Natasha in a private traditional ceremony in Abuja. The ceremony was attended by close family members and followed Idoma and Benin traditions.
Since the marriage was contracted, those close to 2baba had expressed dissatisfaction claiming Natasha was bad for business. And barely six months into the union with Natasha, all is not rosy in the new home formed by 2Baba. Videos of constant fights between the 50-year-old lanky singer and the Edo lawmaker have been shared on social media at different times.
As the drama continues to unfold, 2Baba’s brothers have expressed their dissatisfaction with his union to Natasha claiming he is unwell.
One of his brothers, Charles Idibia, publicly warned that 2Baba was living in bondage. Charles also accused Natasha of controlling the singer’s devices and disrupting his business activities. He further wrote that she had cloned his WhatsApp, sabotaged his business trips, and told strangers she was his wife.
In the same vein, another brother of the singer, Hyacinth Idibia, appealed to the singer to allow his family to support him as concerns grew over his troubled personal life. “You’ve always been ahead, always been brilliant, lyrics meant to inspire, but somehow, it’s unfolding in real time. Painful reality, allow us to save you. Oyinem, you’ve been suffering for too long. God knows.”
Some industry watchers have opined that 2Baba’s union with Natasha seems to be heading for the canvass as their incessant fights continue to gain public attention.
Senator Ned Nwoko has condemned the spread of false information on social media, citing a recent incident where a man falsely accused him of plotting to kill his estranged wife, Regina Daniels.
The senator, on X, used the opportunity to highlight the dangers of Nigeria’s largely unregulated social media space.
Nwoko stated that making serious, unfounded claims for clicks and views has become a common trend, causing real damage to individuals.
He emphasised that social media companies should be held responsible for allowing defamatory content on their platforms.
The senator reiterated his support for a social media bill pending in the National Assembly, which seeks to require social media companies to register in Nigeria and open offices.
“The accompanying video trended a couple of days ago. It is a testament to the fact that the Nigerian social media space has become one of the most unregulated in the world. Laying very serious allegations have become a common trait to attract millions of views without recourse to the damaging effects on the people involved.
“Knowing that there could be evasion of consequences because they can easily prey on the emotions of Nigerians encourages this deviant behaviour. This case and many others have now clearly justified the urgent need for the social media bill in the national assembly.
“You can’t lie to make money and turn around to apologize after criminally defaming and hurting people. It is time for social media companies to be mandated to open offices in Nigeria and to take responsibility for what they allow on their platforms.
“If landlords are being threatened with punishments for actions of their tenants who are yahoo boys, what stops social media companies from being held responsible for allowing defamatory content on their platforms?”
Nwoko stressed that local media houses comply with defamation laws, and foreign social media companies should be held to the same standard.
“All our local media houses comply with laws concerning defamation. Why make an exception for foreign companies that don’t pay taxes and ultimately avoid all manner of liabilities because of the absence of regulations?
We must effectively be able to apply regulations, or there is no end to this. It’s Senator Ned today, who knows who is next?” he continued.
He urged Nigerians to support his bill, saying it’s time for social media companies to take responsibility for their platforms.
“Please support my bill on the regulation of social media companies, which simply seeks to get them to register in Nigeria and open their offices here”.
According to him, this would lead to employment opportunities, technology transfer, payment of taxes, and easier litigation.
“This will mean the following: employment for many Nigerians, technology transfer, payment of taxes, litigations will be easier and cheaper instead of suing them in foreign countries, they will also help in tracking bandits and other criminal activities and lastly our records will be domiciled here and not controlled by foreign countries who can use them to destabilize our dear country”, he concluded.
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has issued an official statement accusing unnamed individuals of orchestrating a coordinated campaign of online harassment, cyber-stalking, and criminal defamation against him.
In the statement released on Thursday by his communications team, Senator Nwoko described the recent surge in defamatory videos and publications as “calculated to create a false narrative of persecution to serve ulterior motives.”
He maintained that he remains fully focused on his legislative and developmental duties and has no interest in “online distractions or fabricated drama.”
He warned that the growing trend of weaponising public sympathy to shield alleged wrongdoers poses a danger to national values.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a renewed pattern of online harassment, cyber stalking, and coordinated defamatory videos and publications targeted at Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko.
“These actions appear calculated to create a false narrative of persecution in order to serve ulterior motives.
“Senator Ned is fully engaged in his legislative, developmental, and business responsibilities and maintains no interest whatsoever in online distractions or fabricated drama. However, when grave allegations are made, they must be addressed in accordance with the law, not through misinformation or emotional manipulation.
“We must caution the public that the growing culture of supporting deviant conduct, shielding wrongdoers, and attempting to weaponize public sympathy is damaging to our national values. Today, falsehood may be deployed against one individual; tomorrow, it may be directed at anyone.
“Accordingly, Senator Ned has instructed his lawyer to file a petition with the Inspector General of Police, Director General DSS, and the Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime Unit) to investigate and prosecute those responsible for ongoing cyber harassment and criminal Defamation. The relevant digital footprints will be traced, and lawful action will be pursued.
“Furthermore, the United States Government and the United Kingdom are respectfully urged to note that attempts to stage artificial drama around a stable family structure for the purpose of gaining undue advantage are unacceptable. If any frivolous grounds are being put forward to seek asylum, such manoeuvres should be discountenanced. Authorities are encouraged to rely on verified facts and legal processes rather than sensationalized narratives designed to mislead.
“Nigerians are encouraged to disregard the false narratives being circulated and allow proper legal processes to proceed. The Senator remains focused on his work and continues to uphold dignity, responsibility, and due process.”
Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, has openly defended his Moroccan wife, Laila, following a wave of online criticism that trailed his public disagreement with Regina Daniels.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Nwoko described Laila as a woman of quiet strength and genuine kindness, noting that she avoids social media drama and focuses on what truly matters.
He commended her maturity, gentle nature, and selflessness, saying she gives without expecting anything in return.
Addressing the backlash targeted at her, Nwoko reaffirmed his unwavering support, appreciating those who have shown understanding and compassion during the controversy. He stressed that he will always stand by Laila and protect her name with pride.
The senator further praised her calm dignity, patience, and grace in navigating difficult moments, adding that her strength and character continue to inspire him.
The statement read, “In a world where noise travels faster than truth, I want to take a moment to speak about the woman I know, the woman I love, and the woman I cherish. My wife, Laila. She is a woman whose quiet strength continues to amaze me every single day.
“Laila is not someone who lives on social media. She has never been the type to chase attention or respond to every passing opinion. She prefers a peaceful and private life where her energy goes to the things that truly matter, not the distractions that come with the online world.
“Anyone who truly knows her understands her gentle nature, her maturity, and her sincere kindness. She is thoughtful, patient, respectful, and incredibly caring. She gives without expecting anything in return and chooses understanding even when she is misunderstood.
“It can be hard to watch unkind words or false assumptions being thrown around online, especially when they do not reflect her character. But I know who she is. I know her heart. I know the honesty she carries and the way she handles even difficult moments with calm dignity.
“She does not believe in defending herself on the internet because she knows her life and her worth are not determined by online opinions. Laila has always chosen to live authentically and quietly, focusing on what is real instead of what is loud.
“As her husband, I will always stand by her. I will speak for her when needed, and I will protect her name with pride. She has been a constant source of stability and peace in my life, and I am grateful for the comfort and wisdom she brings into our home every day.
“Laila has a depth of character that many may never see because she does not display her life publicly. She moves quietly, loves quietly, and carries herself with grace. Her strength does not shout. Her goodness does not need an audience. She simply remains true to who she is.
“Over the years, I have seen her handle challenges with patience and grace that inspire me. She does not rush to prove herself to anyone. She allows time, truth, and character to speak for her. That is one of the many reasons I respect her deeply.
“To everyone who has shown understanding, compassion, and kindness during moments when the online world becomes harsh, thank you. Your support and fairness mean more than words can express. It brings light into difficult spaces.
And to my wife, Laila, you are valued, you are loved, and you are far greater than anything said about you online. I am proud of the woman you are. I believe in your strength. I appreciate your calm spirit. And I will always stand with you, today and every day.”
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has stated that he will not take back his estranged wife, Regina Daniels, citing concerns about her behaviour and well-being.
In a lengthy statement on social media, he claimed she has been under the influence of hard drugs, leading to violent and irrational incidents.
“Senator Ned Nwoko is not chatting with Regina and does not want her back in the house. All he is insisting on is that she should be encouraged to go to therapy,” the statement read in part.
Nwoko shared a WhatsApp message from October 17 as his last communication with Regina, stating it’s his ultimatum regarding her rehabilitation.
The lawmaker also denied Regina’s allegations of drugs and s3xual misconduct, calling them unsubstantiated and a product of her imagination.
“It is important to state that Regina continues to be completely under the influence of hard drugs and whatever she says is a lie from the pit of hell. For example, the allegations of drugs and sex are a figment of her wild imagination and can never be substantiated”, he added.
Senator representing Delta North Ned Nwoko has denied allegations by Regina he married her at 17.
In a statement on X, Nwoko explained that during his first meeting with Regina, she told him she was 21 years old and presented an Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) voter’s card as proof, showing her date of birth as October 10, 1998.
Nwoko wrote: “It has come to my attention that false claims are being circulated by Regina, suggesting that I married her when she was 17 years old. These claims are entirely untrue and misleading.
“For clarity, during my first meeting with Regina, I asked her age, and she told me she was 21 years old. I further asked if she had any document to support this, and she presented her inec voter’s card, which clearly shows that she was born on October 10th, 1998. I informed her that I would keep this document in my possession, and I have done so since that day”.
Nwoko referenced an interview with Regina’s mother, which he said supports his account, and described the claims as untrue and misleading.
“I have also seen a BBC interview Her mom granted after our marriage regarding her age”.
He urged the public to approach the allegations with caution, citing Regina’s “mental condition” related to her drug addiction.
“According to all verifiable records, our marriage took place six years ago, which means Regina is 27 years old today. Any suggestion that I married her at 17 is false and should not be accepted by the public.
“The facts are verifiable and indisputable. Until this is done, I urge the public to approach all her claims with caution and discernment especially taking into account her current mental condition having started and abandoned her rehabilitation from illegal drug addiction,” he countered.
A senator representing Delta North District, Ned Nwoko, has said that a ”syndicate of pull down Ned’’ are taking advantage of his wife Regina Daniels.
Nwoko said this amid the ongoing marital challenges between him and his wife, Regina.
This is contained in a statement by the Communication/Technical Action Team, Office of the senator, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja, yesterday.
He noted that the manner with which people like Omoyele Sowore and Jebose, who have hunted him for years, were now using the situation to criminalise him in the international community, showed a coordinated gang up against him.
He said: ‘’Beyond this, the talk about me grabbing lands in my hometown is false and unfortunate. The truth is that I was allocated a piece of land, for which I made a genuine offer of payment to establish the University of Sports, a project that exists today and serves the community.
‘’Unfortunately, anyone who seeks progress in our society is often attacked and torn down by their own people. That is the sad difference between us and other ethnic groups. ’What we are seeing is a regrouping of individuals taking advantage of a young woman who is unwell and has admitted to using drugs.
‘’The facts are there. Those exploiting her present condition to settle old scores, knowing they have no case against me will eventually face justice. ’They must also be careful with the defamatory statements they continue to make because they will be required to prove them. If by now she has not brought up any credible allegation against me, it means there is nothing illegal about me except that I wants her to seek help for rehabilitation, a condition that existed long before their marriage.’’
The lawmaker added that it was on record that she started using drugs from an early age, and these facts could be verified by her medical history and in a court of law.
‘’The whole world has read her own accounts of substance use, and her former schoolmates have testified online that she and her sister dropped out of school because of drug related issues. Yet some people keep pushing this false narrative to damage my reputation. She openly admitted to using drugs and said she was on bipolar medication. ’Her medical records are verifiable, but the enemies of progress are now manipulating her to achieve their aims. If she had any secrets to reveal, she would have done so. She has nothing. All the current stories being circulated are fabricated and amount to criminal defamation, and those behind this smear campaign will have their day to prove their claims. ’For clarity, Regina Daniels was born on October 10, 2000. If she has been married for six years, that means she got married at 19 years old, not 17,’’ he further said.
Nwoko also said noted that the public witnessed her family giving her out in marriage, and there were witnesses to the fact that her mother personally brought her to me.
He emphasised that he never went after her.
‘’Our customs and traditions do not frown upon polygamy. What I did was to marry her honorably, give her a name, and treat her with dignity. Beyond the social media lifestyle, my world revolved around Regina. I pampered her and cared for her deeply, something everyone who has worked with me across Delta, Abuja, and beyond can testify to. ’It is therefore disheartening to read all this filth being spread online. As the saying goes, when a wall cracks, the lizard finds its way in. Regina has become a weak point through which my political and personal enemies are attacking me.
‘’My decision to marry her properly according to tradition, is now being twisted into a tool for political blackmail. This is a witch hunt that has been ongoing for years, an attempt to stop my developmental strides and tarnish me now that I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
