The Nigeria 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, Victor Ochei, to contest the Delta Central and Delta North senatorial seats respectively under the platform of the party in the 2027 general elections.
The decision followed the formal defection of both political leaders from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, the NDC described the duo as experienced political leaders with the competence and grassroots support required to provide quality representation for their constituents.
According to the statement, the waivers were approved in recognition of their “political experience, leadership capacity, and commitment to democratic ideals, good governance, and service to the people.”
The party said it warmly welcomed Omo-Agege and Ochei into its fold, assuring them of a credible and inclusive platform to pursue their political aspirations and contribute to the development of Delta State and the country.
“The leadership of the party 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,” the statement added.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, transparency, inclusion, and the collective aspiration of building a better Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the NDC has warned against attempts by any state chapter or party official to prevent duly cleared aspirants from participating in the party’s ongoing primaries across the country.
The party said reports of some aspirants allegedly being barred from participating in the exercise had come to the attention of the Screening and Selection Committees.
The NDC maintained that all aspirants who successfully completed the screening process remained eligible to participate in the primaries, stressing that any action contrary to this position was “null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
The party directed its officials and members nationwide to ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently, and in strict compliance with the constitution and guidelines of the party.
According to the statement, the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries of the party will hold nationwide on May 29, 2026.
The party further clarified that while State Assembly primaries would hold within the respective constituency areas, all other primaries would take place at the local government level as earlier communicated by the party leadership.
