Omo-Agege Joins NDC, Declares For Delta Central Senate Seat

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has officially joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and declared his intention to contest for the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Omo-Agege made the announcement in a press statement issued on Thursday, describing his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the outcome of “weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations” with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across the country.

The former senator said his decision was driven by what he described as the urgent need for leadership that prioritises accountability, transparency, and people-oriented governance in Delta State and Nigeria.

“Deltans want leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and delivers results that can be seen and felt in daily life,” Omo-Agege stated.

He praised the leadership of the NDC for what he called its commitment to building “a credible, people-first alternative,” specifically acknowledging Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas, Governor Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for engaging him during the process leading to his defection.

According to him, the NDC represents “a platform built on the principles of inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation, and true federalism.”

Announcing his senatorial ambition, Omo-Agege said his return to the race was in response to growing calls from constituents in Delta Central for him to return to the National Assembly.

“Let me be clear: this is not about me. This is about the mandate you entrusted to me in 2019 and the renewed call from our people for my return to the Senate to provide effective representation,” he said.

The former APC chieftain used the statement to criticise the state of infrastructure and governance in Delta State despite what he described as enormous federal allocations accruing to the state.

“In too many communities, roads have collapsed and remain impassable for months. Primary healthcare centres lack drugs, equipment, and staff. Schools struggle with overcrowding and inadequate facilities,” he lamented.

He further alleged that “too much of Delta’s wealth sits in CBN accounts while our people suffer from bad roads, collapsed hospitals, and abandoned communities.”

Describing the situation as “a failure of leadership and a betrayal of public trust,” Omo-Agege insisted that Delta residents deserved better governance and more prudent management of public resources.

The former lawmaker also declared that the NDC would immediately begin grassroots mobilisation across Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We did it before for the APC when many said it was impossible. We mobilised at the grassroots, organised our people, and changed the political equation. I bring that same resolve and experience to the NDC,” he said.

He promised that, if elected senator for Delta Central in 2027, he would focus on attracting federal projects, ensuring accountability in public spending, creating employment opportunities, supporting small businesses, and improving healthcare and education.

“I will not go to Abuja to warm the bench. I am going to fight for Delta Central,” he declared.

Omo-Agege also called for unity across the three senatorial districts of Delta State, stressing that “a divided Delta is a weakened Delta.”

Addressing youths, women, elders, and traditional rulers, he urged them to actively participate in the political process ahead of the 2027 polls.

“To the youths of Delta State: your time is now. Do not accept the lie that you must wait your turn,” he said.

He concluded by describing the 2027 elections as “a defining moment for Delta State and for Nigeria,” adding that the NDC was prepared to “end the era of excuses, empty promises, and leaders who vanish after elections.”

“The work starts now. The time is now. The people are ready,” Omo-Agege stated.

Meanwhile, the Delta State chapter of the APC has declared that the resignation of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from the party would not affect its strength, unity, or political fortunes in the state.

The party, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Delta State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, said the APC in Delta remained “strong, united, and irrevocably aligned” with the leadership and political direction of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.

According to the statement, the party received news of Omo-Agege’s resignation with “unbothered equanimity,” while wishing him well in his future political pursuits.

The APC maintained that the party had witnessed unprecedented growth, renewed political relevance, and wider grassroots acceptance since Governor Oborevwori aligned with the ruling party.

The statement noted that party faithful across wards, local government areas, and senatorial districts had embraced what it described as a new vision of inclusion, stability, and purposeful leadership under the governor’s influence.

The party further alleged that Senator Omo-Agege had contributed little to strengthening party structures or fostering unity since the governor joined the APC, insisting that his departure would not weaken the party’s prospects in Delta State.

“His exit does not diminish the strength, stability, or prospects of our great party,” the statement said.

The APC also rejected what it described as “false and misleading narratives” suggesting that the fortunes of the party in Delta State were tied to any individual political figure.

According to the party, the Delta APC had evolved beyond personality-driven politics into a formidable institution founded on collective leadership, broad participation, and commitment to the progress of Deltans.

The statement claimed that developments leading to Omo-Agege’s exit had long indicated a deliberate political separation, citing the movement of some of his close associates, including Hon. Ejaife Odebala, Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi, and Hon. Collins Egbetamah, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) before the party primaries.

It further alleged that the former senator’s participation in the senatorial primary was part of a calculated political strategy aimed at facilitating his eventual exit from the party after failing to secure the ticket.

The APC also accused Omo-Agege of distancing himself from crucial party activities after the primaries, including allegedly failing to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral victory efforts.

“Let no one be deceived: the exit of one individual, regardless of past titles or political history, does nothing to diminish the strength, stability, or electoral prospects of Delta APC,” the statement added.

The party reaffirmed its loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, describing both leaders as figures whose leadership had inspired confidence and repositioned the APC as a dominant political force nationally and within Delta State.

It stressed that Delta APC remained committed to consolidating its gains and building a stronger political structure for the benefit of Deltans.

The statement concluded with the party’s slogan: “APC Renewed Hope for M.O.R.E Agenda.”