Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the former Deputy President of the Senate and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Delta State’s 2023 election, has made it clear that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa are not welcome in APC. He urged them to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) instead.
Omo-Agege spoke during a meeting with APC leaders, elders, and stakeholders in Ika South and Ika North East local government areas on Monday. He noted that the APC is gaining ground in Delta State, with one PDP senator already set to join the party and three members of the House of Representatives preparing to switch allegiance.
He stated: “After the 2023 elections, the PDP spread false propaganda, claiming that APC no longer exists in Delta.
“Yet, this is a state where APC won two senatorial seats and two House of Reps seats.
“Today, the only PDP senator is set to join APC, and you are still saying we are not on the ground? Are we not the majority party?
“In Delta Central Senatorial district, where I and Governor Oborevwori come from, APC won the senatorial seat, two of the three House of Representative seats, while the remaining one was won by the Labour Party. PDP won none.
“Also, out of nine House of Assembly seats in Delta Central, APC secured five, while PDP got four. So, which party is truly more popular?”
Omo-Agege also accused Governor Oborevwori’s administration of trying to downplay APC’s influence despite its growing support. He also pointed out that despite the presence of a sitting PDP governor and a former vice-presidential candidate in Ika South and Ika North East, APC still managed to secure the required 25% of votes in the last election.
He reassured party members that any internal disputes within Delta APC would be addressed before the 2027 elections. He added that PDP’s national crisis could leave it in a weaker position by the next election cycle.
“We should stop focusing on our internal issues and instead take advantage of the PDP’s bigger problems.
“Are we even sure PDP will still exist in 2027? Their crisis at the national level is worsening. Our focus should be on winning the next elections and re-electing President Bola Tinubu.”
Omo-Agege further stated that the successes of Tinubu’s policies have made APC the most attractive party in Delta State, drawing interest from several political figures.
However, he firmly rejected any potential defection by Okowa and Oborevwori, saying, “We have built this party from scratch, and we will not allow people with questionable records to destroy what we have worked hard for.
“Soon, we will have three senators, and I am aware that the three PDP House of Reps members are joining APC.
“Some House of Assembly members will also join us. We welcome everyone except Oborevwori and Okowa. They should remain in PDP and rebuild their party.”
“Some House of Assembly members will also come to APC. You know that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s government is punishing Delta State House Assembly members.
“You can’t even speak as a member; if you dare speak, you will be slammed with suspension. So, they are all coming, and we welcome them.
“The only two people who are not welcomed are Governor Sheriff and Okowa. They should remain in PDP and build their party.
“Stay united, stay strong, and thank you once again for your dedication and hard work,” Omo-Agege added.
