2027: Omo-Agege Dumps APC, Joins NDC

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has officially announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Omo-Agege announced the move in a statement issued on Thursday, days after he lost the Delta Central senatorial primary election of the APC.

The former lawmaker said his decision to join the NDC followed weeks of reflection, wide consultations and discussions with political associates, supporters and stakeholders across the country.

He said the new party offered a platform that could advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria.

In the statement, Omo-Agege said, “Today, I formally announce my decision to join the National Democratic Congress [NDC].

“This decision is the product of weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations with the people I serve. I have consulted with my political associates nationwide, supporters, and stakeholders who are the backbone of our communities.

“Across all these engagements, one truth stood out: Deltans want leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and delivers results that can be seen and felt in daily life.”

He thanked leaders of the NDC for engaging him during the process, listing Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas, Governor Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso among those he acknowledged.

“I thank the leadership of the NDC for reaching out and engaging me in this process: Senator Seriake Dickson, Leader and Founder; Senator Moses Cleopas, National Chairman; Governor Peter Obi, Presidential Aspirant; and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and NDC Chieftain.

“Their commitment to building a credible, people-first alternative gives me confidence that the NDC is the right platform for Delta State and Nigeria,” he added.

Omo-Agege said he was convinced that the NDC represented the kind of leadership Nigerians needed at this time.

According to him, the party is built on inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation and true federalism.

“The NDC represents that kind of leadership. It is a party built on the principles of inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation, and true federalism.

“It is a platform where decisions are not made in closed rooms but through open consultation with stakeholders and members. It is a platform where public office is treated as a duty to the people, not a privilege for a few,” he said.

He added, “After careful consideration, I am convinced that the NDC offers the clearest path to advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria.”

OMO-AGEGE TO CONTEST DELTA CENTRAL SEAT

The former Deputy Senate President also confirmed that he would contest the Delta Central senatorial seat on the platform of the NDC in the 2027 general elections.

He said his decision was not driven by personal ambition, but by what he described as a renewed call from his people for effective representation.

“On this platform, I will contest for the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. 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.

“That call is loud, consistent, alive, and urgent. I cannot ignore it, and I will not betray the trust you have placed in me,” Omo-Agege stated.

Omo-Agege lamented that Delta State had not fully benefited from its economic potential despite its oil and gas resources, fertile agricultural land, resilient business community and educated youths.

He said the reality in many communities did not reflect the huge resources available to the state.

According to him, many communities still suffer from collapsed roads, weak healthcare facilities, inadequate schools, unemployment and poor infrastructure.

“Delta State holds a position of immense responsibility in Nigeria. We are among the largest producers of oil and gas, resources that have sustained the national economy for decades.

“Our agricultural lands are fertile and capable of feeding millions. Our business community has shown remarkable resilience despite harsh economic conditions. Our young people are educated, innovative, and ready to lead if given the opportunity. Yet the reality on the ground does not match this potential.

“In too many communities, roads have collapsed and remain impassable for months. Primary health centers lack drugs, equipment, and staff.

“Schools struggle with overcrowding and inadequate facilities. Young graduates return home without jobs, and small business owners battle a hostile environment and poor infrastructure. Meanwhile, federal allocations to Delta State have consistently run into hundreds of billions of naira annually. The gap between these resources and the lived reality of our people is unacceptable,” he said.

The former senator accused the Delta State Government of failing to translate state resources into visible development for the people.

He said too much of the state’s wealth was not being felt in communities where residents still struggled with bad roads, poor hospitals and abandoned projects.

“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. It is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of public trust. Deltans deserve better than press releases, billboards, and photo-ops. Nigeria deserves better than a political class that treats public office as a personal business,” he said.

Omo-Agege said the NDC was the only platform strong enough to challenge what he described as a cycle of failure and return power to the people.

“I believe this situation can and must change. Change requires a platform committed to discipline, transparency, and service.

“The National Democratic Congress was built for this moment. It stands for accountability, for justice, for inclusion, and for true federalism. It is the only platform strong enough to challenge the cycle of failure and return power to the people where it belongs. That is why I am joining the NDC,” he added.

Omo-Agege said he would bring his political experience to the NDC and help build the party from the ward level across Delta State.

He recalled that he had played a major role in making the APC competitive in the state when many believed it was impossible.

“I know what it takes to build a political structure and make it competitive in Delta State. We did it before for the APC when many said it was impossible.

“We mobilized at the grassroots, organized our people, and changed the political equation. I bring that same resolve and experience to the NDC.

“Our immediate priority will be to strengthen the party from the ward level upward, register new members, and prepare a credible slate of candidates for the 2027 elections,” he said.

The former Deputy Senate President promised to offer active representation if elected to the National Assembly in 2027.

He said he would push for fair allocation of federal projects and resources to Delta Central, while also demanding accountability in the use of funds released to the state.

“I will not go to Abuja to warm the bench. I am going to fight for Delta Central, and as your senator, my focus will remain on delivering representation that matters.

“I will take the concerns of Delta Central directly to the National Assembly and ensure they are debated, addressed, and followed through.

“I will push for fair allocation of federal projects and resources to our senatorial district. I will work to ensure that every kobo released to Delta State is accounted for and applied to projects that improve the lives of our people.

“I will also advocate for policies that create jobs, support small and medium enterprises, improve agricultural productivity, and expand access to quality healthcare and education,” he added.

Omo-Agege also promised to work for the overall interest of Delta State, saying a divided state would be weaker in national politics.

“I will represent Delta North, Delta South, and Delta Central with fairness and balance. A divided Delta is a weakened Delta.

“When we speak with one voice, Abuja listens. When we work together, we can secure the infrastructure, investments, and policies that our state deserves,” he said.

The former lawmaker said Nigeria needed what he described as a reset, adding that the country required leadership that would protect citizens, grow the economy and respect the rule of law.

He said the 2027 election would be a defining moment for both Delta State and Nigeria.

“Nigeria itself needs a reset. We need leadership that truly restores hope, protects citizens, grows the economy, and respects the rule of law.

“I will work tirelessly for the victory of our presidential candidate and for a government that puts Nigerians first.

“This is more than an election cycle. This is a defining moment for Delta State and for Nigeria.

“It is a choice between continuing with a system that rewards silence and mediocrity, or choosing a new direction built on accountability and service,” he said.

Omo-Agege called on youths, women, elders, traditional rulers and registered voters in Delta State to take active part in the political process ahead of 2027.

He urged young people not to wait for permission before participating in politics, but to organise in their communities and register to vote.

“To the youth of Delta State: your time is now. Do not accept the lie that you must wait your turn.

“Organize in your communities, register to vote, and make your voices impossible to ignore. Your energy, creativity, and courage are the most powerful tools we have to change this state,” he said.

He also urged women to mobilise across markets, churches, neighbourhoods and other social networks, saying their participation would be crucial to the outcome of the election.

“To the women who hold our families and communities together: mobilize your networks, your markets, your churches, and your neighborhoods. Your participation will determine the outcome of 2027,” he said.

Omo-Agege added that elders and traditional rulers must lend their voices to the movement, while registered voters must protect and use their Permanent Voter Cards wisely.

“To our elders and traditional rulers: your wisdom has guided us through difficult times before. Speak now for the generation coming behind you. Your voice gives legitimacy and direction to this movement.

“And to every registered voter: your Permanent Voter’s Card is your greatest power. It is stronger than money, stronger than intimidation, and stronger than propaganda. Protect it, use it, and use it wisely in 2027,” he added.

Omo-Agege said the 2027 election would provide an opportunity to end what he called the era of excuses, empty promises and leaders who abandon the people after elections.

He said, “In 2027, we will end the era of excuses, empty promises, and leaders who vanish after elections. We will return power to the people of Delta State and to the people of Nigeria.

“Together, under the banner of the National Democratic Congress, we will reclaim Delta State. Together, we will reclaim Nigeria.

“The work starts now. The time is now. The people are ready.”