NDC Grants Waivers to Omo-Agege, Ochei for 2027 Senatorial Contests

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved waivers for former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, clearing both politicians to contest senatorial seats under the party’s platform in the 2027 general elections.  

According to the party, Omo-Agege will contest for the Delta Central Senatorial District seat, while Victor Ochei will seek the Delta North Senatorial District seat following their recent defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).  

The decision was announced by the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, who said the waivers were granted in recognition of the political experience, leadership capacity and grassroots influence of the two politicians. The party noted that both leaders possess the competence and electoral strength needed to provide effective representation and strengthen the party’s structure in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.  

Omo-Agege’s movement to the NDC comes only days after he formally resigned from the APC following reported disagreements arising from the party’s internal primary process in Delta State. The former deputy senate president had earlier declared his intention to return to the Senate, describing the NDC as a platform built on inclusion, accountability and grassroots participation.  

Victor Ochei, who also recently exited the APC, is expected to play a major role in strengthening the NDC’s influence within Delta North as opposition realignments continue ahead of the next election cycle. Political observers believe the entry of both politicians into the NDC represents one of the most significant opposition gains in Delta State in recent months.  

The waivers granted by the NDC are particularly significant because of ongoing debates surrounding restrictions in the Electoral Act relating to party membership timelines and eligibility for party primaries. However, the party insists that its decisions remain within existing legal provisions and party guidelines.  

Meanwhile, the development has generated mixed reactions within political circles, especially among APC supporters in Delta State. While some party loyalists described the defections as a major setback for the APC, others argued that the ruling party remains politically stable despite the exits.  

The latest defections further highlight the growing political realignments taking shape across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties intensifying efforts to attract influential political figures and strengthen their electoral structures nationwide.