The former Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has said worsening economic hardship and poor living conditions in Delta State could increase support for the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, in the 2027 election.
Omo-Agege said the challenges that contributed to Obi’s support in the state during the 2023 presidential election had become worse, citing poor electricity supply, unemployment and inadequate healthcare.
He spoke on Thursday during the inauguration and official opening of the NDC Delta State campaign secretariat in Asaba.
The event was attended by Obi, the NDC Delta State governorship candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, candidates and other party leaders.
Omo-Agege said residents were increasingly concerned about the conditions in their communities and that the situation could influence their choices in the 2027 election.
“Today, the things, the circumstances that threw up that vote have actually gotten worse. Our people no longer have power. Our people no longer have jobs. Our people no longer have hospitals to meet their medical needs,” he said.
He added that the NDC would not only support Obi but would also work to protect the votes cast for him.
“For that reason, we have resolved, Your Excellency, that not only are we going to stand to vote for you, we are going to stand to protect your vote,” Omo-Agege said.
The former senator also said the party was targeting all three senatorial seats in Delta State and a majority of the House of Representatives seats.
“We are going to take the three Senate seats. We are going to take the three-over-three, and we are also going to win the majority of the House of Representatives seats on that day,” he said.
Omo-Agege also declared the party’s support for Iyovwaye, saying the NDC had resolved to make him the next governor of Delta State.
“We have equally resolved, despite what you may hear out there, we have resolved to make Deacon Chris Iyovwaye our next governor of Delta State,” he said.
Obi promises better governance
Speaking at the event, Obi promised that an NDC administration would prioritise transparency, healthcare, infrastructure and development of the Niger Delta if elected.
He said Nigerians would be able to know how public resources were being spent.
“We are going to be transparent. We will tell you where everything is going to,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also criticised the condition of infrastructure in the Niger Delta, citing the East-West Road as an example.
He said the region had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s wealth but had not seen a corresponding level of development.
“One thing I can assure Niger Delta is that the days when you do not see the impact of your wealth are gone,” he said.
On healthcare, Obi promised to improve hospitals in the country and reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for medical treatment.
“We want you to visit the hospitals here so we can fix it. We will make it work,” he said.
Iyovwaye faults roads, insecurity
Iyovwaye said Deltans were facing poor roads, insecurity and unemployment.
“There is no road, there is no security, there are no jobs and everything is out of place, yet they said they want to continue in power. Will you allow them?” he asked.
He urged supporters to take the 2027 election seriously, saying, “We cannot leave this country the way it is. 2027 is our year, and that is the year God has ordained for our turnaround.”
Also speaking, the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini, questioned the impact of revenue allocations on citizens.
He said Nigeria generated significant revenue, but citizens were not seeing enough development from the funds shared among the Federal Government and states.
“Some of this money goes to the Federal Government, while some goes to the state governments. But where is the development? Do you feel the impact?” he asked.
Ominimini also raised concerns about roads and education, saying the cost of educating children had become difficult for many parents.
The inauguration marked the formal opening of the NDC’s Delta State campaign secretariat as the party intensifies mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
