The Deputy Senate President of the 9th Senate and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has made a bold declaration to party members in Sapele Local Government Area. He vowed to uphold fairness and transparency in the party's upcoming congresses, insisting that no candidate will be handpicked.
In a speech during his meeting with APC Sapele Local Government Area leaders and stakeholders held on Tuesday in Sapele, Omo-Agege emphasized the importance of having a transparent, free, and fair electoral process for selecting party executives at all levels in the state, rather than relying on the influence of a select group of people.
"I recognize our leaders here in the LGA, but let me say this: for as long as I live, this next congress will be free and fair. Nobody will write any list. If you want to be a ward chairman or any other position in the executive of our great party at any level, let the people line up behind you and vote for you," he said.
The event, organized to foster unity and reconciliation, was attended by prominent leaders, including Hon. Monday Igbuya, Delta's representative on the NDDC board, and other party stalwarts such as Chief Emuobo Enamotor, Hon Innocent Anidi, State Acting Chairman for APC, Chief Francis Obigbor, Hon Moses Ogodo, Hon. Ejaife Odebala, also present were Hon. Friday Erubasa, APC Local Government Chairman, and many others.
Omo-Agege emphasized the importance of unity and reconciliation within the party as they prepare for the 2027 elections. "The APC came very close to winning Delta State in 2023," he said. "We won two Senate seats out of three and several House of Assembly seats. This is the closest the APC has ever come to taking over Delta State. For us to win in 2027, we must reconcile our differences and consolidate our gains."
The APC leader also highlighted the importance of addressing internal grievances, calling for genuine efforts to mend relationships. "We are ready for peace, but it must be genuine reconciliation. Only a madman wouldn’t want peace," Omo-Agege stated.
He also praised the acting State Chairman, Chief Francis Obigbor, while urging members to respect the party's constitution regarding leadership tenure.
Reflecting on the APC's loss in the 2023 governorship race, Omo-Agege acknowledged the party's efforts while expressing gratitude to members for their sacrifices. "I came here today to thank you for your support. We fought hard, and I know we will fight even harder in 2027," he said.
He emphasized the need to analyze past mistakes and implement corrective measures. "Some people profit from crises. Let’s not encourage those who don’t want us to succeed. Instead, let’s build around those who are committed to our success," he declared.
He also criticized Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, alleging mismanagement of funds. "In the past year and a half, over ₦900 billion has flowed into Delta State, yet we only hear of flyovers costing ₦86 billion. Where’s the rest of the money?" he asked.
The gathering ended with a vote of confidence in Senator Omo-Agege, moved by Rev. Daniel Omofeye and seconded by Engr. Michael Pemu. Party leaders like Hon. Monday Igbuya and Hon. Ejaife Odebala also spoke, echoing calls for reconciliation at the state and national levels.
"Delta State is a low-hanging fruit," Igbuya remarked. "We need unity and peace within our ranks to claim victory in 2027." Hon. Odebala added, "We must butter our bread. If Omo-Agege were governor today, many of us would have been appointed to positions. Let’s support him to ensure we win in 2027."
Meanwhile, Senator Omo-Agege's visit to Sapele has reignited hope and enthusiasm among APC members. With his declaration of a transparent congress process and his call for unity, the party appears poised to build momentum for the 2027 elections. As Omo-Agege concluded, "We have a very good chance in 2027. Let’s not throw it away again. Together, we can win."
