The political battle ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Delta State has taken a fresh turn as former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, claimed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) out of concern over his growing political influence.
Speaking during a televised interview, Omo-Agege dismissed Oborevwori's assertion that he posed no political threat, arguing that electoral results from the 2023 general elections showed otherwise.
According to him, the APC performed strongly under his leadership, securing two of Delta State's three Senate seats and recording significant victories in Delta Central Senatorial District.
The former APC governorship candidate pointed to vote tallies from the 2023 governorship election, claiming he polled more votes than Oborevwori in Delta Central, the district where both politicians originate.
He argued that the figures reflected the confidence reposed in him by voters who were familiar with both contenders.
Omo-Agege further maintained that the APC established a formidable political presence in the district by winning key legislative positions, including the Senate seat, House of Representatives seats, and several State Assembly positions.
The former senator also alleged that dissatisfaction among PDP members after the 2023 elections triggered a wave of defections into the APC, strengthening his political base ahead of the next governorship contest.
He claimed that the movement of political actors into the ruling party was largely driven by support for his anticipated 2027 ambition.
According to Omo-Agege, the governor's eventual decision to join the APC was influenced by the growing momentum within the opposition camp.
He questioned why Oborevwori chose to leave the PDP if he truly believed there was no serious challenge awaiting him in the next election cycle.
The APC chieftain also accused the governor's camp of sidelining long-standing party members after the defection, alleging that an understanding on the sharing of party structures was ignored in Delta State. Despite this, he insisted that his support base remained intact and loyal.
Omo-Agege further claimed that he emerged victorious in the APC governorship primary but alleged that irregularities prevented the proper documentation of the outcome.
He maintained that his supporters overwhelmingly backed him across most wards in the state.
The exchange underscores the deepening political tensions within the Delta APC despite the governor's entry into the party.
With both camps laying claim to popular support and party influence, the contest for control of the party's structure appears set to shape the state's political landscape ahead of 2027.
