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Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the opposition party.
The development came barely six days after Omo-Agege announced his resignation from the APC, in what political observers describe as a major realignment capable of reshaping the political landscape in Delta State ahead of the 2027 polls.
In a detailed statement issued on Thursday through his Media Adviser, Sunny Areh, the former Senate Deputy President said his decision followed “weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations” with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across Delta State and the country.
“Today, I formally announce my decision to join the National Democratic Congress (NDC),” Omo-Agege declared.
According to him, the move was driven by the yearning of Deltans for “leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and delivers results that can be seen and felt in daily life.”
The former governorship candidate of the APC in Delta State disclosed that he would work closely with the NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and other party leaders to build what he described as a “credible, people-first alternative” for Nigerians.
He specifically acknowledged the roles played by key NDC figures including Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas, Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in facilitating his entry into the party.
“The NDC represents that kind of leadership. It is a party built on the principles of inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation, and true federalism,” he said.
Omo-Agege stated that his ambition to return to the Senate was inspired by growing calls from constituents in Delta Central who, according to him, want experienced representation capable of addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
“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 added.
The former lawmaker used the opportunity to launch a scathing critique of governance in Delta State, lamenting what he described as the disconnect between the state’s enormous oil wealth and the poor living conditions of many residents.
He decried collapsing roads, poorly equipped healthcare centres, inadequate educational facilities, youth unemployment, and what he termed the “failure of leadership and betrayal of public trust.”
“Right now, too much of Delta’s wealth sits in CBN accounts while our people suffer from bad roads, collapsed hospitals, and abandoned communities. This is not governance,” he stated.
Omo-Agege pledged to strengthen the NDC structure across Delta State from the ward level upward, promising aggressive grassroots mobilization and expansion of party membership ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I will not go to Abuja to warm the bench. I am going to fight for Delta Central,” he declared, while also promising to push for equitable federal allocations, improved infrastructure, job creation, agricultural development, healthcare reforms, and better educational opportunities.
The former Senate Deputy President further appealed to youths, women, traditional rulers, and voters across Delta State to actively participate in the political process ahead of the next general election.
“In 2027, we will end the era of excuses, empty promises, and leaders who vanish after elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved waivers for Omo-Agege and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, to contest senatorial seats under the party’s platform.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director Esq., the NDC said Omo-Agege would contest for the Delta Central Senatorial District seat, while Ochei would fly the party’s flag for the Delta North Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.
The party described both politicians as experienced leaders with the competence and grassroots appeal required to provide quality representation.
“The decision to grant the waivers was taken in recognition of their political experience, leadership capacity, and commitment to democratic ideals, good governance, and service to the people,” the statement said.
The NDC leadership also assured the new entrants of a “credible, inclusive, and people-oriented platform” to pursue their political aspirations and contribute to national development.
The opposition party maintained that it remained committed to internal democracy, transparency, inclusion, and the collective aspiration of building “a better Delta State and a greater Nigeria.”
The defection of Omo-Agege and Ochei is expected to intensify political activities in Delta State, with analysts predicting a fierce contest among major political parties as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
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