The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has granted waivers to former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, to contest the party’s senatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Omo-Agege is seeking the Delta Central Senatorial ticket, while Ochei has declared interest in the Delta North Senatorial race under the platform of the opposition party.
The approval came shortly after Omo-Agege’s defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC, a move widely seen as a major political development in Delta State ahead of the next election cycle.
Announcing the decision in a statement on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, said the waivers were approved by the party leadership after consultations and careful consideration of the political profiles of both men.
According to him, the party believes the two politicians possess the experience, leadership capacity, and grassroots appeal needed to strengthen the NDC in 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,” he stated.
Director added that the party remained committed to internal democracy, transparency, and inclusiveness as it positions itself for the 2027 elections.
“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,” he added.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, also confirmed the development, welcoming both politicians into the party.
“It was a pleasure to warmly receive Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, former Deputy Senate President, into our great party, alongside Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly,” Dickson said.
“I am also pleased to announce that the NDC has equally granted them waivers to contest in the senatorial primaries in their respective districts. I wish them both the very best,” he added.
Dickson explained that the move followed weeks of consultations aimed at expanding and strengthening the party’s structure across the South-South region and beyond.
He called on members of the party to support the new entrants and work collectively towards the success of the NDC in future elections.
Omo-Agege had recently announced his resignation from the APC after controversies surrounding the party’s senatorial primary in Delta Central.
In his defection statement, the former deputy senate president said his decision to join the NDC followed extensive consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across Delta State.
“Today, I formally announce my decision to join the National Democratic Congress. This decision is the product of weeks of reflection, wide consultations, and honest conversations with the people I serve,” he stated.
The former lawmaker described the NDC as a party founded on accountability, grassroots participation, inclusion, and true federalism.
He also declared his intention to return to the Senate, saying the move was based on repeated calls from his supporters in Delta Central for effective representation.
Omo-Agege pledged to strengthen the party’s structure across Delta State and build a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Our immediate priority will be to strengthen the party from the ward level upward, register new members, and prepare a credible slate of candidates for the 2027 elections,” he said.
He further promised to focus on attracting federal projects, promoting job creation, and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance if elected.
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