Asaba, Delta State – January 23, 2026 – Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, the immediate past Deputy President of the 9th Senate and former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, on Friday reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the party and expressed readiness to collaborate closely with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to strengthen the APC's structures and deliver meaningful dividends to Deltans.
Delivering his remarks at a crucial stakeholders' meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Asaba, Senator Omo-Agege thanked Governor Oborevwori for personally extending the invitation to the gathering, describing it as a significant gesture at a "pivotal moment" for the party in the state. He highlighted the importance of the meeting in charting a fresh, unified path forward for the APC amid preparations for future electoral battles, including the 2027 general elections.
The seasoned politician, who remains one of the most influential figures in Delta APC politics, declared that the party has successfully established itself as a formidable political force in the state. "Without question, we have built the APC as a formidable political platform in Delta State, and we remain wholly committed to its continued success," he stated. As a dedicated party man, he pledged to continue contributing actively to the collective growth and development of the APC.
Senator Omo-Agege emphasized the centrality of Governor Oborevwori's leadership role, noting that as the undisputed leader of the party in Delta State, the governor's guidance is essential for both party progress and effective governance. Drawing from his own philosophy of public service, which places the welfare of the people above all else, the former senator assured full cooperation. "As a firm believer in service to our people, I am ready to work with the Governor and other leaders to ensure this party thrives and delivers bold and sustainable benefits to our people," he affirmed.
Reflecting on his strong grassroots base, Senator Omo-Agege pointed to the over 240,000 votes he personally garnered in the 2023 governorship election as evidence of his enduring organic support across the state. He expressed confidence that Governor Oborevwori, in his capacity as party leader, would take deliberate steps to ensure the full inclusion and mobilization of these "hundreds of thousands of faithful, diehard grassroots supporters." Such inclusivity, he argued, would be a game-changer, empowering the APC to secure resounding victories in upcoming elections at both state and federal levels.
The remarks underscored a message of reconciliation, teamwork, and shared purpose. Senator Omo-Agege reiterated his firm and enduring support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, aligning it with his commitment to qualitative governance in Delta State. Addressing Governor Oborevwori directly, he said: "Be assured that with my commitment to a legacy of qualitative governance, I'm ready to collaborate with you to strengthen our party and deliver on its promises to our people, making Delta State a better place for all."
The speech came amid broader efforts by the Delta APC to consolidate unity following recent realignments, defections, and strategic engagements. The stakeholders' meeting, attended by top party figures including national leaders, zonal chairmen, and grassroots mobilizers, focused on critical issues such as accelerating the ongoing e-registration exercise, deepening community-level outreach, and preparing for upcoming party congresses.
Analysts view Senator Omo-Agege's appearance and statements as a major boost to the party's cohesion drive. His public acknowledgment of Governor Oborevwori's leadership and his pledge to work harmoniously signal a maturing of internal dynamics in what was once a fractious opposition platform in Delta State. By emphasizing inclusivity and the value of his substantial voter following, Omo-Agege positioned himself as a bridge-builder capable of rallying diverse interests toward common electoral goals.
The gathering also reflected the APC's growing momentum in the South-South geopolitical zone, where strategic alliances and performance-oriented governance are increasingly shaping political realignments. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, party leaders are prioritizing internal harmony, verifiable membership through digital registration, and massive voter mobilization to translate loyalty into electoral dominance.
Senator Omo-Agege concluded his address on an optimistic and patriotic note, invoking divine blessings: "Thank you, and may God bless APC, Delta State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
The remarks have been widely interpreted as a clear endorsement of the current leadership direction and a call for all stakeholders to close ranks, mobilize effectively, and position the APC for stronger performance in future contests. As Delta continues its political evolution, the collaboration hinted at today could prove decisive in reshaping the state's power equation.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the host and a central figure in the proceedings, delivered a compelling address that set the tone for the discussions. He reminded attendees that true leadership draws its legitimacy from the people and must always be anchored in humility, empathy, and selfless service. The governor called on all stakeholders to prioritize the collective interest of the party over personal ambitions or egos. He warned against divisions, unnecessary conflicts, and distractions that could undermine progress, describing unity as the APC's most potent weapon in the political arena. Such periodic high-level engagements, he noted, offer valuable platforms to assess achievements, reinforce organizational structures, and strategically prepare for pivotal moments like congresses and elections.
A key highlight of Governor Oborevwori's speech was the direct appeal for massive voter turnout in support of President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections. He stressed that the volume of votes delivered from Delta State would directly influence the party's bargaining power and resource allocation at the federal level. In essence, electoral performance translates into influence, developmental projects, and appointments that benefit the state. This message resonated deeply, reflecting the governor's pragmatic approach to politics and his commitment to translating party loyalty into tangible dividends for Deltans.
Adding national weight to the occasion was the presence and contributions of prominent figures. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, urged members to remain focused amid the buildup to congresses. He commended the impressive strides made in the e-registration drive and highlighted the party's increasing diversity and inclusiveness. Keyamo cautioned against falling prey to rumors, unnecessary delays, or divisive tactics. Instead, he advocated for proactive early engagement, consensus-building at the ward and local government levels, and open dialogue to diffuse tensions before they escalate. His intervention reinforced the need for discipline and strategic planning as the party navigates this critical phase.
Another notable contributor was former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who praised the stakeholders for their demonstrated unity and consistent engagement. He specifically lauded the intensified grassroots efforts to drive e-registration deeper into homes, communities, and wards. Okowa emphasized the importance of inclusiveness and consensus-building in conducting the upcoming congresses to ensure they are peaceful, credible, and widely accepted. He credited Governor Oborevwori's humble and inclusive leadership style for fostering the current atmosphere of harmony, urging all leaders to return to their bases with renewed zeal and dedication to party-building.
The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Felix Morka, joined in applauding Governor Oborevwori's stewardship and the innovative digitalization of the membership register through e-registration. He recommended adopting a consensus-driven approach for the congresses to minimize friction and maximize participation, positioning it as a model for other states.
In his welcome address, the Delta State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, provided an encouraging update on the party's progress. He revealed that over 90 percent realignment had been achieved since April 2025, interpreting the large turnout at the meeting as clear evidence of surging unity and momentum within the ranks.
The zonal chairmen offered detailed reports on the situation in their respective districts. For Delta North, Chairman Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka noted relative peace but pointed out lingering challenges with registration uptake. In Delta Central, Chief Paulinus Akpeki highlighted impressive progress, with Okpe Local Government leading the state in numbers, while appealing for calm and adherence to forthcoming national guidelines. Delta South Chairman Prince Austin Oribioye called for swift resolution of technical issues hindering the exercise to enable the zone to meet its targets.
The State E-Registration Coordinator, Prince Fred Mordi, delivered an optimistic assessment. He disclosed that Delta State had been selected to host the South-South zonal training for the exercise, a recognition of its organizational capacity. Despite some minor hurdles, registration figures were steadily climbing, and he expressed strong confidence that the state would surpass expectations before the January 31, 2026, deadline.
The meeting also included a solemn moment: a minute of silence in honor of the late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who represented Delta North in the Senate until 2023. Nwaoboshi, who passed away on December 19, 2025, after a brief illness at age 67, was remembered for his contributions to the party and the state.
Overall, the Asaba stakeholders' meeting marked a pivotal step in the APC's transformation in Delta State. Once perceived as an opposition stronghold, the party has benefited from strategic defections, high-profile endorsements, and focused administrative efforts under Governor Oborevwori. The emphasis on e-registration—using National Identification Numbers (NIN) for transparent, verifiable membership—aims to create an accurate database for communication, mobilization, and accountability. This digital initiative, launched nationwide in early January 2026, is seen as a game-changer in building a robust, data-driven party structure.
By prioritizing unity and consensus, the APC seeks to avoid the pitfalls of internal wrangling that have plagued many parties in the past. The convergence of figures like Oborevwori, Keyamo, Omo-Agege, and Okowa signals a broad coalition capable of challenging entrenched interests in 2027. Grassroots mobilization remains the linchpin: leaders are tasked with door-to-door campaigns, community engagements, and resolving local grievances to boost participation.
As the congresses approach, the success of these efforts will hinge on sustained discipline, transparent processes, and genuine inclusiveness. The Delta APC's trajectory reflects broader national trends under President Tinubu's leadership, where strategic realignments and performance-based governance are reshaping political landscapes. With continued momentum, Delta could emerge as a key pillar of APC strength in the South-South zone, delivering substantial votes and securing meaningful federal support for infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic development.
This meeting was more than a routine assembly; it was a reaffirmation of purpose, a blueprint for victory, and a call to action for every member to contribute to a united, vibrant, and electorally dominant APC in Delta State. The path ahead demands collective resolve, but the foundations laid in Asaba provide a solid platform for achieving those ambitions.
