Former Senate President and ex-Delta governorship candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has explained why he left the APC, insisting that the party structure in Delta State was taken over after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori joined the ruling party.
Speaking on the Arise TV Morning Show on Wednesday, Omo-Agege stated that loyal members of the APC who worked for the party during the 2023 elections were sidelined during recent congresses in the state.
He claimed that despite the changes in party leadership, he still commands strong grassroots support, saying over 240,000 supporters who backed him in the 2023 governorship election remain loyal to him.
According to him, before the governorship primaries, hextensiveld wide consultations with party leaders and supporters to decide whether to contest.
He also insisted that he participated fully in the primary process and rejected claims that he acted without consultation.
In the 2027 presidential election, Omo-Agege declared support for Peter Obi, saying he would remain loyal to his new political platform, the NDC.
He said his loyalty has always followed his party, noting that he fully supported former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while in the APC.
“Now that I am in the NDC, my loyalty is to my party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi,” he said.
Omo-Agege also dismissed reports that he lost the NDC senatorial primary in Delta Central, insisting that he won across all eight local government areas in the district.
He said the party is yet to officially announce results but expressed confidence that his victory will be confirmed once ratified.
He also described claims of his defeat as false and politically motivated.
The former Deputy Senate President criticised the administration of Governor Oborevwori, alleging that despite receiving over ₦3 trillion in revenue in the last three years, there is little development to show in the state.
He also claimed that a large amount of state funds—about ₦750 billion—remains idle in government accounts while residents continue to face poverty, unemployment, insecurity and poor infrastructure.
Speaking on the Delta State governorship race, Omo-Agege said he is satisfied with the candidate chosen by his party, describing him as experienced, articulate and successful in business.
He said governance is not about holding a title but about delivering results, implementing policies and improving lives.
According to him, the party’s candidate understands resource management and wealth creation and has what it takes to use public funds effectively.
Omo-Agege further argued that with over ₦3.15 trillion reportedly received by the state in three years, more development should have been achieved.
He expressed confidence that the candidate would address key challenges such as poverty, insecurity, unemployment and infrastructure deficits.
Despite leaving the APC, Omo-Agege said he still supports key economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments.
He said his political shift does not mean he has changed his views on economic policy but believes such reforms can work better under different leadership.
On legal matters surrounding party membership and election timelines, Omo-Agege said his candidacy is not threatened by court cases.
He maintained that the NDC complied with electoral requirements and that he remains confident in his eligibility ahead of future elections.
