ASABA: The journey began in December 2024 when Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the Senate in the 9th Assembly, presided over a grand ceremony in Oghara, Ethiope East Local Government Area, to officially welcome Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This strategic political move at the heart of Delta Central marked the beginning of a series of unprecedented APC interactive stakeholder meetings across all 25 local government areas in Delta State.
Looking ahead to 2027, the primary goal is to build a unified and formidable APC capable of dismantling the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its years of underwhelming governance in Delta.
With the recent defection of Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the representative of Ethiope East/Ethiope West Constituency and Chairperson of the House Committee on NDDC, along with other prominent PDP leaders, APC is well-positioned to dominate the Ethiope Federal Constituency and the entire state in 2027.
Senator Omo-Agege’s leadership as the APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election set a new precedent in Delta politics. Unlike past opposition candidates who faded from the political scene post-election, he remained actively engaged, leading APC to its best-ever performance in the state since 2007.
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Since PDP’s ascent to power in Delta State in 1999, it has maintained an unshakable grip, leading to the popular belief that “Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta.” Winning a PDP primary was often considered equivalent to winning the general election. However, over time, the PDP leadership became complacent, prioritizing endorsements over governance and losing its claim as a party of the people.
The demand for change grew, but faith in the opposition remained weak due to past electoral failures. After Chief James Ibori’s tenure ended in 2007, the electoral system was compromised, making it nearly impossible for any other party to gain traction.
Early attempts to challenge PDP lacked grassroots strategies and relied heavily on personality-driven campaigns, which proved ineffective in Delta’s unique political landscape.
That changed in 2023 when Senator Omo-Agege, then Deputy President of the Senate, took up the challenge. Securing the APC governorship ticket, he revitalized the party, making it a formidable force in the state.
The election results spoke volumes—APC secured two of the three senatorial seats, won a House of Representatives seat, and gained seven seats in the Delta State House of Assembly. Omo-Agege himself finished a close second in the gubernatorial race, a historic achievement for the party.
APC’s momentum continued, ultimately securing all three senatorial seats after the lone PDP senator defected to the party. This shift cemented APC as a credible alternative with the potential to unseat PDP.
Unlike previous leaders who disappeared between election cycles, Omo-Agege remained on the ground, strengthening grassroots mobilization. By January 2025, his tour extended to Delta North Senatorial Zone, where massive crowds in Anioma communities greeted him enthusiastically.
From Ukwuani to Ndokwa West, Ika South, and Ika North East, he engaged APC elders, leaders, and stakeholders in discussions focused on unity and party consolidation.
During a meeting in Kwale, key party figures reaffirmed their commitment to a united APC under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The message was clear—Delta State, despite its immense resources, could no longer afford to remain underdeveloped.
Omo-Agege continued his tour across Ika, Aniocha, and Oshimili, emphasizing the importance of post-election evaluations to identify areas for improvement ahead of 2027. He assured party members that his leadership would remain inclusive and participatory, valuing the input of all stakeholders.
During the third leg of his tour in Delta South, Omo-Agege confronted the region’s longstanding neglect. Navigating the treacherous roads to Bomadi, Patani, and Burutu, he was appalled by the dire state of infrastructure.
Despite decades of economic contributions to Delta State, these areas had seen little development under successive PDP governments.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Koko, Warri North, Omo-Agege reflected on APC’s narrow loss in the 2023 governorship election and vowed to unseat PDP in 2027.
“We came close in 2023 but fell short by a whisker. Now, we have learned from our mistakes and are more determined than ever to secure Delta State for APC,” he declared.
Looking ahead, the Obarisi of Urhoboland reaffirmed his commitment to fostering inclusivity within the party, ensuring that all voices were heard in shaping the party’s future.
He acknowledged that success in politics requires collaboration and grassroots engagement, not just individual effort.
Expressing optimism about APC’s future, Omo-Agege highlighted how President Tinubu’s economic reforms, political restructuring, and growing discontent with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration had created the perfect conditions for PDP’s ousting in 2027.
Throughout his tour, stakeholders across Delta State expressed their confidence in Omo-Agege’s leadership. Prince Yemi Emiko, a prominent APC chieftain and Warri Kingdom prince, emphasized that Omo-Agege had rightfully earned his position as APC’s leader in Delta.
All politics is local. Leadership is earned through hard work and grassroots mobilization, not by making empty claims on social media. Omo-Agege has proven himself,” Emiko stated.
He urged aspiring political leaders to focus on delivering results at the grassroots level, emphasizing that with unified support, APC would sweep PDP out of Delta State in 2027
