Omo-Agege confident of APC victory in Delta 2027, urges unity

Former Deputy Senate President and Delta State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 election, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has expressed confidence that the APC will unseat the Peoples Democratic Party in the state’s 2027 governorship race.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area, on Tuesday, Omo-Agege declared, “2027 is our date with destiny.

“With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and achievements, along with our collective resolve, Delta will flip,” he stated.

Omo-Agege, however, called for “inclusive stakeholder engagement,” emphasising that “2027 demands unity. We must put aside divisions between old and new members and work together towards a common goal.”

Reflecting on the APC’s narrow loss in the 2023 Delta State governorship election, the former Deputy Senate President vowed to unseat the ruling PDP in the next election.

“We came so close in 2023 but fell short by a whisker.

“However, we’ve learnt from our mistakes and are now more determined than ever to win Delta State for the APC,” he said.

Omo-Agege rallied supporters, addressed post-election grievances, and rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of 4,000 votes for APC and 10,000 for PDP in Warri North, alleging systemic rigging by the PDP.

“Our votes were organic; theirs were products of writing,” he claimed.

Defending Tinubu’s economic reforms, Omo-Agege highlighted the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates.

While acknowledging the initial hardships, he framed these measures as crucial for Nigeria’s and Delta State’s future development.

“Although increased fuel, food, and forex prices cause pain, President Tinubu’s wise decision-making will yield a better future,” Omo-Agege added.

He noted that Delta State now receives more funds, as President Tinubu channels savings to states beyond Abuja.

This, he believes, will have a transformative impact, tying the APC’s 2027 prospects to the president’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Addressing stakeholders’ critiques, Omo-Agege admitted to strategic mistakes, including the failure to integrate new members, which led to the alienation of loyalists.

“We’ve paid the price for this oversight,” he admitted.

“I should have fostered a stronger bond between old and new members. That error had significant consequences,” he added.

He urged PDP members to defect, describing the ruling party as a “sinking ship” on the brink of collapse.

While acknowledging that APC also faces unity challenges, he downplayed internal friction as “growing pains” ahead of 2027.

“Post-congress disputes are not unique to us; even the PDP is grappling with internal conflicts,” he argued.

Omo-Agege also criticised APC members who boycotted the last election due to grievances, calling it an act of self-sabotage.

“Why stay home? Vote first, defend your votes, and then resolve issues. By staying away, we all lose,” he said.