• Declares ambition for Delta Central Senatorial seat

Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege has officially announced his decision to join the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Omo-Agege, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday announced his resignation from the ruling party.

The former deputy president of the 9th Senate said that the decision to join the NDC was the product of weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations with his constituents.

“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, the people of Delta want leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and delivers results that can be seen and felt in daily life,” he said.

The former lawmaker thanked the leadership of the NDC for reaching out and engaging him in this process.

“I must thank Sen. Seriake Dickson, Leader and Founder; Sen. Moses Cleopas, National Chairman; Ex Gov. Peter Obi, Presidential aspirant; and Sen. 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 and Nigeria,” he said.

Omo-Agege said that NDC was a party built on the principles of inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation, and true federalism.

According to him, the party is a platform where decisions are not made in closed rooms but through open consultation with stakeholders and members.

Omo-Agege further said that NDC was a platform where public office were treated as a duty to the people and not a privilege for a few individuals.

The former legislator said that after careful consideration, he was convinced that the NDC offered the clearest path to advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta and Nigeria.

“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,” he said.

Omo-Agege observed that Delta holds a position of immense responsibility in Nigeria considering it’s numerous natural and human endowment.

“Beyond oil and gas, 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 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 added.

Omo-Agege declared that the situations must change, stressing that NDC was a platform committed to discipline, transparency, inclusivity and service.

He added that NDC was the only platform strong enough to challenge the cycle of failure and return power to the people where it belongs.

The former lawmaker said that the immediate priority of the stakeholders was to strengthen the party from the ward level upward, register new members, and prepare a credible slate of candidates for the 2027 elections.

Omo-Agege said that beyond the Senate, NDC would field candidates for the governorship and other elective positions who understood the challenges of Delta and had the competence, humility, and character to address them.

He promised to work tirelessly for the victory of the party’s presidential candidate and for a government that puts Nigerians first.

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

“We mobilised at the grassroots, organised our people, and changed the political equation,” he said.

Omo-Agege, however, urged every registered voter to arm themselves with their Permanent Voter’s Card, saying that “it is stronger than money, intimidation, and propaganda”.

(NAN)