ASABA — The Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Godwin Anaughe, has dismissed claims that the former Delta State governorship candidate’s political structure in Delta Central has collapsed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Anaughe described reports suggesting that Omo-Agege’s loyalists had remained in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aligned with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as “false” and politically motivated.
According to him, the report was intended to create the impression that Omo-Agege’s political influence in Delta Central had weakened following his exit from the APC.
Anaughe argued that many of the individuals listed as evidence of the alleged collapse were never members of Omo-Agege’s political structure, insisting that only a handful had actively participated in his previous political campaigns.
He also disputed claims regarding the political affiliation of Chief Francis Atanomeyovwi, maintaining that the politician did not align with Governor Oborevwori as reported but remains a member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and a supporter of Omo-Agege in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
The aide further contended that Omo-Agege’s political strength extends beyond party officials and political appointees, saying his support is rooted largely among grassroots and non-partisan voters across Delta Central’s eight local government areas.
According to Anaughe, Omo-Agege’s electoral record demonstrates his ability to build winning political coalitions, noting that the former Deputy Senate President had previously won election to the Senate under different political platforms before serving as Deputy President of the Senate.
He also argued that Omo-Agege’s political structure was instrumental in the emergence of Delta Central Senator Ede Dafinone during the 2023 general election, claiming the same political machinery helped the APC secure victory in the senatorial district.
Anaughe maintained that politicians who chose to remain in the APC were exercising their democratic rights and said their decisions should not be interpreted as evidence that Omo-Agege’s political base had weakened.
He further expressed confidence in the prospects of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the party as an emerging political platform capable of attracting support from young and independent voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
The presidential hopefuls mentioned in his statement, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, were cited as figures whose involvement, he argued, could strengthen the party’s national appeal.
Anaughe also criticised Senator Dafinone’s supporters for, in his view, focusing on attacks against Omo-Agege instead of highlighting the senator’s legislative achievements over the past three years.
He argued that elections in Delta Central would ultimately be decided by voters at the grassroots rather than by political commentaries or the movement of prominent political figures.
The communications adviser concluded that it was premature to draw conclusions about the 2027 contest, insisting that the outcome would be determined at the ballot box rather than through media narratives.
