Omo-Agege Declares for Delta Central Senate Seat, Vows to Fight for Urhobo Nation in 2027

A former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has formally declared his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, setting the stage for a potential showdown with the incumbent senator, Ede Dafinone . The former lawmaker announced his decision in a statement on Wednesday in Asaba, stating that the move followed extensive consultations and deep reflection.

“Driven by patriotic duty, resourceful service, and a hopeful vision for our future, I, Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the 9th Senate, hereby declare my intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial District seat in 2027 on the platform of the APC,” Omo-Agege said . He described the declaration as “not a light decision,” noting it was borne out of broad consultations with family members, political leaders, and stakeholders across all eight local government areas of Delta Central, including Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu, Okpe, Sapele, Uvwie, Ethiope East, and Ethiope West.

The former Deputy Senate President emphasized that his decision was a response to persistent calls from constituents urging him to return to legislative service. “It is a response to the humbling calls by our electorate, constituents, professionals, and supporters that I return to the Senate to serve our common good and give unflinching support to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated . He added that after prayerful reflection, he concluded that public service is a divine duty, saying, “Having sought the face of our Lord Jesus Christ in prayer, I have concluded that service to my people is a divine duty. I therefore humbly yield to their call”.

Omo-Agege argued that the Urhobo Nation needs experienced and courageous representation in the Senate, asserting that there is a clear consensus across the district for a capable voice at the national level. “Across Delta Central, there is clear consensus that the Urhobo Nation deserves an experienced, smart, resourceful, purpose-driven, compassionate, and courageous voice in the Senate once again,” he said . He insisted that the senatorial seat must remain strategic, purposeful, and authoritative, warning that “the Urhobo Nation’s Senate seat must not be silent. That is not our portion”.

Reflecting on his tenure from 2015 to 2023, which he described as the “golden years in parliamentary leadership,” Omo-Agege highlighted several achievements, including attracting a modern federal polytechnic, establishing a National Defence Space School, and securing a state-of-the-art oil and gas industrial park in Urhoboland . He also noted the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Kwale, as well as numerous community projects such as healthcare centre rehabilitation, ICT hubs, school construction, electrification projects, and empowerment programmes .

Outlining his priorities if elected, Omo-Agege pledged to deliver strong legislative engagement. “I will deliver legislative leadership that moves bills from sponsorship to assent: defending Urhobo economic interests, expanding education and healthcare, and strengthening security,” he promised. On infrastructure, he committed to collaborating with the Presidency and relevant ministries, stating, “My priorities are roads for commerce, power for industries, schools for our children, and hospitals that save lives”. He also pledged to push for funding for small and medium enterprises, artisans, and agro-processors, vowing that “our representation translates into real, verifiable employment”.

The former Deputy Senate President reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, describing ongoing economic reforms as tough but necessary. He called for unity within the APC in Delta State ahead of the elections, urging party members to approach 2027 as one family. “I am committed to a united APC in Delta State. We must approach 2027 as one family,” he said . His declaration now sets the stage for a competitive primary against the incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone, who currently holds the Delta Central seat.