The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has granted waivers to former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, to contest senatorial seats in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the party.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director.
According to the statement, Omo-Agege received approval to contest for the Delta Central Senatorial seat, while Ochei was cleared to contest for the Delta North Senatorial seat.
The NDC said the decision followed the formal defection of both politicians from the ruling All Progressives Congress to the party.
The waivers granted to the two politicians mean they have been exempted from certain party requirements, including waiting periods usually imposed on new members before contesting for elective positions.
Political parties in Nigeria often grant such waivers to influential politicians joining from rival parties, especially ahead of major elections.
The NDC described both Omo-Agege and Ochei as experienced political leaders whose entry into the party would strengthen its structure and improve its chances in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the party, the waivers were granted in recognition of their political experience, leadership qualities and commitment to democratic governance.
“The waivers were approved in recognition of their leadership experience, political influence and commitment to service to the people,” the statement said.
The party expressed confidence that both men have the political strength and grassroots support needed to effectively represent their senatorial districts if elected.
The NDC also assured the new members of a credible and inclusive political platform where they can pursue their ambitions and contribute to national development.
“The party remains committed to internal democracy, transparency, inclusion and the collective goal of building a better Delta and Nigeria,” the statement added.
The development is expected to reshape political alignments in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Delta has traditionally been considered a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party, although the APC has also remained active and influential in the state over the years.
The emergence of the NDC as a destination for prominent politicians from other parties may further alter the political calculations in the state.
Omo-Agege is one of the most prominent political figures in Delta State and the South-South region.
He served as Deputy Senate President from 2019 to 2023 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The lawyer and politician represented Delta Central Senatorial District in the Senate and was also the governorship candidate of the APC in Delta State during the 2023 general elections.
Although he lost the governorship election, Omo-Agege remained one of the leading figures in the APC in Delta State until his recent defection.
Victor Ochei is also a well-known politician in Delta politics.
He served as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015 and has remained active in political affairs within the state.
Ochei previously sought higher political offices and has maintained influence, especially in Delta North.
Political observers say the movement of both politicians to the NDC may signal growing political realignments ahead of 2027 as parties begin to reposition themselves for future elections.
Analysts believe defections and alliances are likely to increase in the coming months as politicians seek platforms that can improve their chances at the polls.
The issue of defections has remained common in Nigerian politics, especially when elections draw closer.
Politicians often move between parties over disagreements, leadership struggles, personal ambitions or calculations about electoral advantage.
Critics, however, argue that frequent defections weaken party ideology and reduce public trust in the political system.
Supporters of political realignments insist that politicians have the constitutional right to associate with parties that align with their interests and political goals.
The NDC’s latest move appears aimed at strengthening its presence in Delta State by attracting influential politicians with established political structures and supporters.
Although the party is still building its national structure, it hopes the entry of high-profile politicians like Omo-Agege and Ochei will boost its visibility and electoral chances ahead of the next general elections.
The APC in Delta State has yet to officially react to the defections and waivers granted to the two politicians as of the time of filing this report.
However, political analysts believe the exit of such prominent figures could affect the party’s structure and support base in parts of the state.
The 2027 elections are still some distance away, but political activities and consultations have already started across several states as parties prepare for another major electoral contest.
With the latest development, attention is now likely to focus on how the NDC plans to position itself in Delta State and whether more politicians may join the party in the coming months.