Ovie Omo-Agege joins forces with Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in NDC coalition

Stanley Ihedigbo

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has officially aligned with a new opposition coalition under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), joining forces with Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections, as he declared his intention to contest for the Delta Central Senatorial seat.

In a lengthy statement released on Thursday, the former lawmaker said his decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across the country, adding that the move was inspired by what he described as the urgent need for accountable leadership and effective representation in Delta State and Nigeria.

According to him, the consultations revealed a strong public demand for leaders who are willing to listen to the people, govern with integrity, and deliver measurable development.

Omo-Agege expressed appreciation to the leadership of the NDC for engaging him during the process, specifically acknowledging Seriake Dickson, founder and leader of the party; Senator Moses Cleopas, the party’s national chairman; Peter Obi, described as the party’s presidential aspirant; and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and an NDC chieftain.

He said the NDC represents a credible political alternative founded on inclusion, accountability, grassroots participation, and true federalism.

“The NDC offers the clearest path to advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria,” he stated.

Declaring his ambition for the Senate in 2027, Omo-Agege said the move was not driven by personal interest but by what he described as a renewed call from constituents for him to return to the National Assembly and provide effective representation.

“This is about the mandate you entrusted to me in 2019 and the renewed call from our people for my return to the Senate to provide effective representation. That call is loud, consistent, alive, and urgent,” he said.

The former Senate Deputy President painted a grim picture of conditions in Delta State despite its enormous natural wealth, lamenting the poor state of roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, overcrowded schools, youth unemployment, and the struggles of small businesses.

He argued that the reality faced by ordinary residents does not reflect the huge federal allocations received by the state over the years.

“Right now, too much of Delta’s wealth sits in CBN accounts while our people suffer from bad roads, collapsed hospitals, and abandoned communities. This is not governance. It is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of public trust,” he declared.

Omo-Agege insisted that the NDC was built to confront what he described as the cycle of failed leadership in Nigeria, saying the party stands for transparency, justice, inclusion, and service to the people.

Drawing from his experience in building the APC structure in Delta State, the former lawmaker said he understands the demands of grassroots political mobilisation and intends to deploy the same energy and structure-building strategy in strengthening the NDC across the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We did it before for the APC when many said it was impossible. We mobilized at the grassroots, organized our people, and changed the political equation. I bring that same resolve and experience to the NDC,” he stated.

He pledged that if elected to the Senate, he would focus on ensuring equitable distribution of federal projects, improved oversight of public spending, and policies aimed at job creation, support for small and medium enterprises, agricultural productivity, healthcare delivery, and quality education.

Omo-Agege also called for unity across the three senatorial districts of Delta State, insisting that a divided Delta weakens the state’s bargaining power at the national level.

“I will represent Delta North, Delta South, and Delta Central with fairness and balance. A divided Delta is a weakened Delta. When we speak with one voice, Abuja listens,” he said.

Beyond his senatorial ambition, the former lawmaker said the NDC intends to field candidates for governorship and other elective positions who possess the competence, humility, and character needed to address the challenges facing Delta State and Nigeria.

He described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for the country, saying Nigerians must choose between continuing with what he termed a system that rewards mediocrity and embracing a new direction anchored on accountability and service.

Omo-Agege further appealed to youths, women, traditional rulers, and registered voters across Delta State to actively participate in the democratic process and use their Permanent Voter Cards to shape the future of the state and the country.

“To the youth of Delta State: your time is now. Organize in your communities, register to vote, and make your voices impossible to ignore,” he said.

He concluded by declaring that the era of excuses and empty promises must end in 2027, expressing confidence that the NDC would reclaim Delta State and help reshape Nigeria’s political future.

“The work starts now. The time is now. The people are ready,” the statement concluded.