Ovie Omo-Agege, the APC’s candidate for the Delta State gubernatorial election in 2023, has advised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to remain with the PDP and address their party’s issues, indicating that they would not be accepted into the APC.
During a meeting with APC leaders and stakeholders in Ika South and Ika North East on February 3, Omo-Agege criticized Oborevwori’s government for attempting to minimize the APC’s influence in Delta State.
He pointed out the contradiction in the PDP’s claims that the APC is irrelevant in the state, highlighting that the APC has successfully gained two senatorial and two House of Representatives seats. Omo-Agege asked, “If we are not substantial in Delta, then why is a PDP senator preparing to join our ranks? In our shared Delta Central district, the APC has won significant seats while the PDP has not secured any. Doesn’t that reflect our popularity?”
Omo-Agege stated that while the APC welcomes other PDP leaders like Senator Ned Nwoko, they don’t want Oborevwori or Okowa to join their party. “We have built this party with diligence, and we won’t let individuals with controversial backgrounds compromise our efforts,” he asserted.
He also recognized the APC’s electoral accomplishments despite the challenges posed by having a PDP governor and a former vice-presidential candidate in the same areas.
He reassured APC members about resolving internal matters before the 2027 elections, urging them to concentrate on the broader issues within the PDP, which he believes may face significant challenges ahead. “It’s uncertain if the PDP will even exist by 2027. Our priority should be winning the next elections and supporting President Bola Tinubu,” he remarked.
Omo-Agege acknowledged how the effectiveness of Tinubu’s policies positioned the APC as a desirable party in Delta State, attracting various political figures to it. “We are on track to have three senators and expect several former PDP representatives and assembly members to join APC—everyone is welcome except Sheriff and Okowa; they should focus on reviving the PDP,” he concluded.
Addressing concerns about the current administration in Delta, Omo-Agege claimed it was suppressing the voices of assembly members. “Members are afraid to speak out, or else they face severe repercussions, but we will welcome them here,” he stated. “Only Governor Sheriff and Okowa are not invited; they need to stay with the PDP.”
Barrister Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of APC, reassured members of the party’s commitment to resolving internal challenges in the Delta chapter ahead of the 2027 elections. Various party leaders, including Chief Stevenson Ikpade, Chief Sunny Chuks Obuseh, and others, also participated in the meeting, stressing the importance of true reconciliation to fortify the APC for upcoming elections.