Omo-Agege dumps APC for NDC, declares Delta Central senate bid for 2027

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Age, has defected to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and declared his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Announcing the move in a press statement on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Omo-Age said the decision followed weeks of consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across Delta State and beyond. 

“Deltans want leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and delivers results that can be seen and felt in daily life,” he said. “That call is loud, consistent, alive, and urgent. I cannot ignore it, and I will not betray the trust you have placed in me.”

Omo-Age thanked key NDC leaders for their engagement, naming Senator Seriake Dickson, National Chairman Senator Moses Cleopas, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. He said the party’s commitment to a “credible, people-first alternative” convinced him it was the right platform for Delta State and Nigeria.

He described the NDC as a party built on inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation, and true federalism, arguing it offers the clearest path to advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State, and the country.

The former senator criticized the gap between Delta’s federal allocations and the state of infrastructure and services on the ground. 

“Federal allocations to Delta State have consistently run into hundreds of billions of naira annually. Yet in too many communities, roads have collapsed, health centers lack drugs and staff, and schools struggle with overcrowding,” he said.

He said too much of the state’s wealth remains idle in CBN accounts while residents contend with bad roads, collapsed hospitals, and unemployment. 

“This is not governance. It is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of public trust. Deltans deserve better than press releases, billboards, and photo-ops,” Omo-Age stated.

Omo-Age said his focus in the Senate would be on delivering tangible representation for Delta Central. He pledged to push for fair allocation of federal projects, ensure accountability for state funds, and advocate for policies that create jobs, support SMEs, improve agriculture, healthcare, and education.

“I will not go to Abuja to warm the bench. I am going to fight for Delta Central,” he said. He also pledged to represent Delta North, Delta South, and Delta Central fairly, arguing that a united Delta would command more attention in Abuja.

Looking beyond the Senate race, he said the NDC would field candidates for governorship and other elective positions who understand Delta’s challenges and have the competence to address them. He vowed to work for the victory of the party’s presidential candidate and for a government that “puts Nigerians first.”

Omo-Age urged youths, women, elders, and traditional rulers to mobilize ahead of 2027, stressing that the Permanent Voter’s Card remained the people’s strongest tool.

“2027 is a choice between continuing with a system that rewards silence and mediocrity, or choosing a new direction built on accountability and service,” he said.

He concluded that the NDC would “reclaim Delta State” and “reclaim Nigeria,” adding, “The work starts now. The time is now. The people are ready.”

Omo-Age served as Deputy President of the 9th Senate from 2019 to 2023. He holds the traditional title of Obarisi of Urhoboland.