Former Deputy President of the Senate Ovie Omo‑Agege and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori exchanged remarks this week over the 2023 Delta governorship election, each emphasizing a call for party unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During a lecture on “Inclusive Governance and National Unity: Lessons from Delta State for a United Nigeria” held in Lagos, Governor Oborevwori highlighted his electoral performance, claiming that his close ties to the grassroots enabled him to win 21 of the state’s 25 local government areas (LGAs). He contrasted this with Omo‑Agege’s result of four LGAs, saying, “I listen to the people, I hear them, I call them, they call me.” The governor’s remarks were framed as a celebration of his victory and an endorsement of his outreach strategy.
Omo‑Agege responded in a statement urging restraint and reconciliation. He noted that while the governor’s comments referred to the 2023 election, both men now belong to the same political family under the APC. “If we were still in different parties, I would feel compelled to respond as an adversary,” Omo‑Agege wrote, adding that the Supreme Court’s decision on the election was final and respected.
The former Senate deputy president expressed gratitude to supporters who delivered over 240,000 votes in four LGAs and pledged to improve service delivery. He called on the Delta APC to prioritize unity over division, emphasizing that the party’s focus should shift to the 2027 electoral cycle. “Since May 29 2023, I have pursued one mission: strengthening the unity of our party. I will not relent,” Omo‑Agege said, urging Governor Oborevwori to join him in fostering healing, reconciliation and inclusion.
Both politicians underscored the importance of presenting a united front for the upcoming general elections. The exchange reflects ongoing intra‑party dynamics in Delta State, a region that has become pivotal for the APC’s national strategy ahead of the 2027 polls. Observers note that while personal rivalries may surface, the leadership of the party appears intent on consolidating support to secure victories at both state and federal levels.
