The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) granted waivers to former Deputy President of the Senate Ovie Omo-Agege and former Delta State House Speaker Victor Ochei.
This move signals a strategic attempt by the NDC to consolidate power in Delta State by recruiting established political figures. By bypassing standard membership requirements, the party aims to quickly build a competitive slate of candidates for the upcoming legislative cycle.
The leadership of the NDC approved the waivers to allow both politicians to contest the 2027 [1] Delta State senatorial elections. Omo-Agege and Ochei will seek seats in the Delta North and Delta Central senatorial districts [2].
Party officials said the decision comes as a response to a political crisis triggered by recent resignations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) [3]. The NDC said the inclusion of these two figures would strengthen the party's structure, and improve its electoral prospects in the region [3].
The reporting of these waivers occurred on May 28, 2026 [4]. The decision allows the candidates to transition into the NDC without adhering to the typical waiting periods or registration protocols usually required for new members seeking nomination for high-level office.
Omo-Agege previously served as the deputy president of the Senate, while Ochei held the speakership of the Delta State House of Assembly. Their entry into the NDC represents a shift in the political alignment of Delta State as the 2027 [1] elections approach.
“The NDC granted waivers to former Deputy President of the Senate Ovie Omo-Agege and former Delta State House Speaker Victor Ochei.”
The NDC is leveraging the instability within the APC to attract high-profile defectors. By granting waivers to Omo-Agege and Ochei, the party is prioritizing immediate electoral viability and name recognition over strict party loyalty or membership tenure, suggesting a broader strategy to challenge the existing power dynamics in Delta State ahead of the 2027 cycle.
