Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Faces Setback in Delta Central Primary Election
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s political career, marked by over a decade of influence in Delta State, reached a critical juncture with the recent New Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries. The former Senate Vice President’s aspiration to return to the Senate was thwarted when he lost to Dr. Onome Bernice Dema, a prominent figure and former president of the Urhobo Progressive Union of North America. This unexpected outcome highlights shifting political allegiances within Delta Central.
Omo-Agege’s defeat severely undermines his immediate pathway back to the Senate, where he honed much of his national profile and established himself as one of Delta State’s most significant political figures during the Fourth Republic. The primary elections were anticipated to reveal the resilience of Omo-Agege’s political base amidst waning support and growing grassroots disinformation.
Despite the odds, Omo-Agege appeared to be a formidable contender. His extensive influence in Delta Central was cultivated over years of political engagement, beginning with his 2015 Senate election, subsequent re-election in 2019, and ascension to the Vice Presidency of the Senate. During his tenure, he became a notable advocate for various legislative initiatives and built a robust network within the Urhobo community.
Ascending to the role of Vice President of the Senate in 2019 amplified his political stature, cementing his position as one of the highest-ranking officials Delta Central has ever produced. Nevertheless, his aspirations took a hit in 2023 when he lost the Delta State governorship race, leading many of his supporters to view the 2026 Senate primary as a chance for redemption.
While Omo-Agege secured impressive wins in several traditional strongholds, the results were dramatically marred by misinformation campaigns. For instance, he claimed a significant victory in Ughelli North with 1,024 votes and also triumphed in southern Ughelli, obtaining 1,160 votes compared to Dema’s 1,146. Additional victories in Udu and Ubwi further showcased his local support.
However, these victories were overshadowed by Dema’s commanding lead in pivotal areas. In Sapele, Dema achieved a stunning 1,352 votes, while Omo-Agege managed only four. Similarly, in Okpe, Dema received 1,650 votes to Omo-Agege’s meager five. These results effectively negated any advantages Omo-Agege had in his traditional strongholds, underscoring the powerful impact of disinformation in these key districts.
The final tally indicated Dema’s sweeping victory with 4,973 votes against Omo-Agege’s 3,853, along with minor candidates who collectively received a fraction of the votes. This primary defeat prompts essential questions regarding Omo-Agege’s political future. Although he has enjoyed a remarkable career, including two Senate terms and a gubernatorial bid, the dynamics of politics often depend on timing, momentum, and public sentiment.
The results suggest that Omo-Agege’s previously unassailable political machinery may not wield the same influence in every corner of Delta Central. As he contemplates his next move—whether to remain within party politics or seek alternate platforms—the implications of Dema’s victory extend beyond a singular loss, marking a significant turning point in a career that has been pivotal in shaping Delta politics for over a decade. There now looms the prospect that Omo-Agege’s aspirations to re-enter the Senate may be dimmed for the foreseeable future.
Before switching allegiance from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC, Omo-Agege cited ideological discrepancies with the APC’s structure. He attributed his decision to weeks of introspection and dialogue, expressing a commitment to the principles of inclusivity and accountability that the NDC professes. For years, Omo-Agege was viewed as the face of the APC in Delta State, significantly influencing its growth and electoral success in a region historically marked by political rivalry and competition.
