2027: NDC Chieftain Courts Omo-Agege Over Delta Governorship Contest

A chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State, Chief James Onosakponome, has urged former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, to defect to the the opposition party and contest the 2027 Delta State governorship election in a bid to reclaim what he described as his “stolen mandate” in the 2023 governorship poll.

Onosakponome made the call in the wake of Omo-Agege’s defeat in the Delta Central All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election by the incumbent, Senator Ede Dafinone, amid mounting speculation over the former Deputy Senate President’s next political move.

He argued that Omo-Agege should no longer feel restrained by the belief that Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has the “first right of refusal” for the governorship seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NDC stalwart’s remarks also come on the heels of a landmark judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified critical portions of the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general election.

In the ruling delivered by Justice M. G. Umar, the court held that INEC acted outside its statutory powers under the Electoral Act 2026 by altering timelines relating to party primaries and submissions of candidates. The court ruled that the commission cannot lawfully shorten the statutory 120-day period provided under Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act for political parties to submit particulars of their candidates before elections.

The court further held that INEC lacks the authority to abridge the 90-day window stipulated under Section 31 of the Act for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates.

Reacting to the unfolding political developments, Onosakponome said that if reports of Omo-Agege’s planned defection to the NDC were accurate, then the former Deputy Senate President should boldly pursue the governorship rather than settle for another senatorial contest.

“If the reports that he is moving to the NDC are true, especially with many of his loyal supporters already aligning with the party, then there is absolutely nothing stopping him from contesting for governor. For a political figure of DSP Omo-Agege’s stature, returning to contest for Senate would amount to political demotion,” he stated.

According to him, Omo-Agege still commands enormous grassroots support across Delta State and possessed the political structure required to mount a formidable governorship challenge.

“As one of his committed supporters, I strongly believe the 2023 governorship mandate was taken from him. Today, Omo-Agege controls over 240,000 organic votes across Delta State. With that kind of political strength, he should naturally be in the governorship race,” Onosakponome added.

“At least, with over 240,000 loyal votes behind him, there is no reason for him to step down for anybody in another political party. He has the capacity and popularity to contest and win the governorship election.”

He maintained that Omo-Agege’s widespread grassroots appeal across the three senatorial districts positioned him as a viable statewide candidate and urged him not to remain politically sidelined at a crucial period in Delta State’s political evolution.