2027: Omo-Agege joins NDC after dumping APC
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former Nigerian Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) six days after leaving the All Progressives Congress.
- Omo-Agege announced his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat on the NDC platform in the 2027 general elections and support Peter Obi for president.
- He cited consultations with stakeholders and a desire for leadership focused on integrity, listening to the people, and delivering results as reasons for his move to the NDC.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has formally joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC), six days after his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Omo-Agege announced his decision in a statement, declaring his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat on the NDC's platform in the 2027 general elections.
Today, I formally announce my decision to join the National Democratic Congress. This decision is the product of weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations with the people I serve.
His move signifies a significant shift in the political landscape of Delta State. Omo-Agege stated that his decision followed weeks of reflection and extensive consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders. He emphasized that these discussions convinced him of a desire among Deltans for leadership that prioritizes integrity, responsiveness to the populace, and tangible results.
Omo-Agege expressed confidence in the NDC as the right platform for advancing the interests of Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria. He acknowledged key NDC leaders, including Senator Seriake Dickson, National Chairman Moses Cleopas, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, for their engagement. He highlighted the NDC's principles of inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation, and true federalism as appealing factors, contrasting it with decision-making processes he suggested occur in "closed rooms."
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.
Responding to calls from his supporters, Omo-Agege framed his senatorial ambition not as a personal pursuit but as a commitment to the mandate entrusted to him in 2019 and the urgent call from his constituents for renewed representation. He underscored Delta State's crucial role in Nigeria's economy, particularly its contributions to oil and gas production, and its potential in agriculture and business.
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
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.