Former Deputy Senate President and 2023 APC governorship candidate in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has made it clear that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, will not be allowed to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a gathering of APC leaders from Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas on Monday, Omo-Agege dismissed speculations about the party losing ground in Delta State. He emphasized that while the APC remains open to welcoming political figures like Senator Ned Nwoko and other lawmakers, Oborevwori and Okowa are not part of the party’s plans.
Refuting claims that the APC had faded after the 2023 elections, Omo-Agege highlighted the party’s electoral successes. “Despite PDP’s claims, APC won two senatorial seats and two House of Representatives seats. Now, the only PDP senator is about to join us. Doesn’t that prove we are the dominant party?” he stated.
He further pointed out that the APC secured two out of three House of Representatives seats, while the Labour Party claimed one and the PDP won none. In Delta Central, APC secured five out of nine House of Assembly seats, surpassing PDP’s four. “Which party truly holds the majority?” he questioned.
Omo-Agege criticized the Oborevwori-led administration for attempting to downplay the APC’s strength, despite the party’s continued growth in the state. He assured party members that internal disputes within the Delta APC would be resolved before the 2027 elections, suggesting that the PDP might struggle to remain a force by then.
Attributing APC’s increasing popularity to President Bola Tinubu’s policies, he revealed that more defections from the PDP were imminent. However, he firmly ruled out any possibility of welcoming Oborevwori and Okowa into the party. “We built this party from the ground up, and we won’t allow people with questionable backgrounds to destroy what we’ve worked hard for,” he stated.
Omo-Agege also accused Oborevwori’s administration of suppressing lawmakers in the state’s House of Assembly, alleging that they faced punishments, including suspensions, for speaking out. “That’s why they are all coming to APC,” he added.
Meanwhile, APC National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Felix Morka, assured party members that the national leadership is committed to resolving internal challenges in Delta State before the next election cycle.