By SCM Correspondent
The political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections shifted significantly on Thursday as the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, officially dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a swift reaction to their defection, the national leadership of the NDC announced that it had granted express waivers to both political heavyweights, clearing the path for them to contest the Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial district seats, respectively, under its platform.
The announcement was contained in a press statement signed by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., issued on May 28, 2026.
According to the opposition party, the decision to grant the waivers was rooted in the duo’s extensive political experience, leadership capacity, and deep grassroots support across Delta State.
”The leadership of the party notes that the decision to grant the waivers was taken in recognition of their political experience, leadership capacity, and commitment to democratic ideals, good governance, and service to the people,” the statement read.
Welcoming the defectors, the NDC assured them of a credible, inclusive, and transparent platform to pursue their political ambitions. The party expressed strong confidence that both Omo-Agege and Ochei possess the political capital necessary to deliver quality representation to the people of Delta Central and Delta North.
”The party leadership is confident that both leaders possess the competence, experience, and grassroots support necessary to deliver quality representation to the people of Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial Districts,” Director added, reiterating the party’s commitment to internal democracy and building a better Nigeria.
This high-profile defection deals a major blow to the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stripping it of two of its most prominent foundational pillars in the South-South region.
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who served as the Deputy President of the 9th Senate (2019–2023) and was the APC’s governorship candidate in Delta State during the fiercely contested 2023 elections, has long been regarded as the face of the APC opposition in the state.
His return to the senatorial race under the NDC banner aims to reclaim his traditional stronghold in the Delta Central (Urhobo) political axis.
On the other hand, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and former Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services at NIMASA, brings immense legislative experience and an established network from Delta North (Anioma).
Political analysts note that by launching their campaigns under the fast-rising National Democratic Congress (NDC) and securing immediate waivers, both leaders are positioning themselves to capitalize on shifting voter sentiments ahead of the 2027 polls.
Their exit significantly alters the tri-centric power balance between the PDP, APC, and the emerging NDC in Delta State.