Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), triggering fresh political calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Delta State.
The resignation, which takes immediate effect, was contained in a letter dated May 22, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of APC Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Omo-Agege’s Media Adviser, Sunday Areh.
The former Deputy Senate President attributed his decision to what he described as unfolding political realities within the APC in Delta State, following extensive consultations with political associates and loyal supporters across the state.
According to him, recent developments within the party had made it impossible for him to effectively pursue the political interests of Delta Central and his broader political aspirations under the APC platform.
“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State and Nigeria,” Omo-Agege declared.
The former lawmaker, who served as Deputy President of the 9th Senate, thanked the APC for the opportunity to serve in various leadership capacities, particularly at the National Assembly, while wishing the ruling party well in its future engagements.
He also disclosed that he had requested the immediate removal of his name from all APC membership registers, party records and official communication platforms.
Despite quitting the party, Omo-Agege reaffirmed his commitment to the political and developmental interests of Delta State, insisting that he would continue to pursue those goals outside the APC.
The resignation comes amid mounting speculation that the former governorship candidate may be heading to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Only recently, a chieftain of the NDC in Delta State, Chief James Onosakponome, openly urged Omo-Agege to defect to the party and contest the governorship election, insisting the former senator still commands massive grassroots support across the state.
The call followed Omo-Agege’s defeat in the APC Delta Central senatorial primary, where he lost the ticket to Senator Ede Dafinone.
Reacting to reports of a possible defection, Onosakponome argued that Omo-Agege should not settle for another Senate bid but instead pursue the governorship race.
“If the reports that he is moving to the NDC are true, especially with many of his loyal supporters already aligning with the party, then there is absolutely nothing stopping him from contesting for governor,” he stated.
“For a political figure of DSP Omo-Agege’s stature, returning to contest for Senate would amount to political demotion.”
The NDC chieftain further claimed that Omo-Agege remained one of the most formidable political forces in Delta State.
“As one of his committed supporters, I strongly believe the 2023 governorship mandate was taken from him. Today, Omo-Agege controls over 240,000 organic votes across Delta State. With that kind of political strength, he should naturally be in the governorship race,” he added.
“At least, with over 240,000 loyal votes behind him, there is no reason for him to step down for anybody in another political party. He has the capacity and popularity to contest and win the governorship election.”
The political tension surrounding Omo-Agege’s next move intensified following a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja which nullified portions of the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections.
In the judgment delivered by Justice M.G. Umar, the court held that INEC acted outside its statutory powers by altering timelines relating to party primaries and candidate submissions under the Electoral Act 2026.
Observers believe the ruling may reshape political calculations across major parties, especially in states like Delta where Omo-Agege remains one of the most influential political figures in the South-South region.
