The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has granted waivers to former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, to contest the party’s senatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Under the arrangement, Omo-Agege will contest for the Delta Central Senatorial seat, while Ochei is expected to vie for the Delta North Senatorial seat on the platform of the party.
The decision came barely days after Omo-Agege formally resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the opposition NDC, in a move seen as a major political realignment in Delta State ahead of the next election cycle.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, said the waivers were approved following the formal defection of the two politicians from the APC.
According to him, the party leadership considered their political experience, leadership qualities, and grassroots support in arriving at the decision.
“The leadership of the party notes that the decision to grant the waivers was taken in recognition of their political experience, leadership capacity, and commitment to democratic ideals, good governance, and service to the people,” the statement read.
He added that the NDC was confident both politicians possessed the competence and support base required to provide effective representation for their respective senatorial districts.
“The party leadership is confident that both leaders possess the competence, experience, and grassroots support necessary to deliver quality representation to the people of Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial Districts,” he stated.
The party also assured the duo of a credible and inclusive political platform to pursue their ambitions and contribute to national development.
“The party remains committed to internal democracy, inclusion, transparency, and the collective aspiration of building a better Delta State and a greater Nigeria,” Director added.
Confirming the development, the National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, welcomed Omo-Agege and Ochei into the party.
“It was a pleasure to warmly receive Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, former Deputy Senate President, into our great party, alongside Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly,” Dickson said.
“I am also pleased to announce that the NDC has not only received them warmly but has equally granted them waivers to contest in the senatorial primaries in their respective districts tomorrow. I wish them both the very best of luck,” he added.
Dickson explained that the development followed weeks of consultations aimed at strengthening the party’s structure in the South-South region and across the country.
He urged party members and supporters to give the new entrants maximum support and cooperation.
Omo-Agege had earlier announced his resignation from the APC after weeks of speculation surrounding his political future following the controversial APC primary in Delta Central.
In his defection statement, the former deputy senate president said his decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across Delta State.
“Today, I formally announce my decision to join the National Democratic Congress. This decision is the product of weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations with the people I serve,” he stated.
According to him, Delta people were yearning for leadership founded on integrity, accountability, and people-oriented governance.
He also acknowledged the roles played by key NDC leaders, including Senator Seriake Dickson, National Chairman Cleopas Moses, presidential aspirant Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in facilitating his move to the party.
“Their commitment to building a credible, people-first alternative gives me confidence that the NDC is the right platform for Delta State and Nigeria,” Omo-Agege said.
Declaring his intention to return to the Senate, he explained that the decision was in response to repeated calls from his supporters in Delta Central for effective representation.
Promising robust representation if elected, Omo-Agege said he would focus on attracting federal projects, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and promoting accountability in public spending.
He also pledged to strengthen the NDC structure across Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our immediate priority will be to strengthen the party from the ward level upward, register new members, and prepare a credible slate of candidates for the 2027 elections,” he stated.