Party says move signals major political shift in Delta as opposition forces reposition for 2027 elections
By A1NEWS International / May 29, 2026
ABUJA, Nigeria —NDC Opens Door To Former APC Heavyweights
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally granted waivers to former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, clearing the way for both politicians to contest senatorial seats under the party’s platform in the 2027 general elections.
The development followed the high-profile defection of the two political figures from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move already generating fresh political calculations within Delta State and the wider South-South political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Under the approved arrangement, Omo-Agege is expected to contest for the Delta Central Senatorial District seat, while Ochei will seek the Delta North Senatorial ticket on the platform of the NDC.
Defections Trigger Fresh Political Realignment In Delta
Political observers described the defections as one of the earliest indications that opposition parties are intensifying efforts to build stronger regional alliances ahead of 2027, particularly in states where internal discontent within the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to widen.
The NDC, which has recently positioned itself as an emerging opposition coalition platform, said the decision to grant waivers was based on the political pedigree, leadership experience and public service records of both politicians.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC welcomed the former APC stalwarts into its fold, describing their entry into the party as a major boost to its grassroots expansion strategy.
According to the statement, the party remains committed to building “a credible, inclusive and people-oriented platform” capable of reshaping governance and representation in Delta State and across Nigeria.
Why The Waivers Were Approved
The NDC leadership explained that the waiver approvals were necessary to accommodate the new entrants despite constitutional timelines and membership requirements ordinarily expected before aspirants can seek elective offices under the party.
The party argued that both Omo-Agege and Ochei possess extensive political experience and established grassroots networks that could strengthen the NDC’s electoral competitiveness in Delta State.
According to the statement, “Both leaders possess the necessary competence, institutional experience and political reach required to provide effective representation and deepen democratic participation.”
The party further stressed that the move aligns with its broader political strategy of attracting influential figures capable of challenging dominant political structures in key states ahead of the 2027 polls.
Omo-Agege’s Return To Opposition Politics
Omo-Agege, a former Deputy Senate President and one-time governorship candidate of the APC in Delta State, remains one of the most influential political actors in Delta Central.
His movement away from the APC is expected to significantly alter political equations within the Urhobo political bloc and could potentially weaken the ruling party’s structure in parts of the state.
Analysts believe the former deputy senate president’s senatorial ambition may also serve as a strategic platform for rebuilding his political influence after losing the 2023 Delta governorship election.
Ochei Eyes Delta North Senate Seat
Victor Ochei, who previously served as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, is also regarded as a major political force in Delta North.
His defection adds another layer to the growing competition for political dominance in Anioma politics, especially as several parties begin early positioning for the 2027 elections.
Political stakeholders believe Ochei’s entry into the NDC could energise opposition mobilisation efforts in Delta North, an area traditionally dominated by established political structures.
NDC Pushes Expansion Ahead Of 2027
The party reiterated its commitment to internal democracy, transparency and inclusiveness, insisting that the waivers granted to both politicians were part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen party structures nationwide.
The NDC said it intends to emerge as a viable national alternative by attracting experienced politicians, youth leaders, technocrats and grassroots mobilisers dissatisfied with the country’s current political direction.
Observers say the latest defections may trigger further political movements within Delta State as parties intensify negotiations, alliances and strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
With the 2027 elections still months away, the entry of Ovie Omo-Agege and Victor Ochei into the NDC marks another sign that Nigeria’s political landscape is entering an early phase of coalition-building, defections and strategic repositioning.
As opposition parties attempt to consolidate influence across key states, Delta State is already emerging as one of the major battlegrounds where shifting loyalties and power blocs could shape the outcome of future elections.
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