By Ufuoma Egbe

With less than a year to the 2027 general elections, political alignments across Delta Central Senatorial District are beginning to reshape what was once expected to be one of the state’s most closely watched senatorial contests. While elections are ultimately decided at the ballot box, recent developments suggest that former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, faces an increasingly challenging path in his bid to return to the Senate.

Omo-Agege, the former APC governorship candidate who lost the 2023 election to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is now seeking a political comeback under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). His ambition, however, comes at a time when the political landscape in Delta Central has shifted considerably following the mass movement of influential political leaders into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The influx of former PDP leaders into the APC has significantly altered the political equation across the district, strengthening the ruling party’s grassroots structure while leaving Omo-Agege with the task of rebuilding support under a new political platform.

Perhaps the most significant challenge confronting the former Deputy Senate President is the gradual erosion of the political network that once powered his electoral victories. Across the eight local government areas that make up Delta Central, several prominent politicians who previously stood firmly behind him have either openly declared for the APC or are now actively working within the party’s expanded political structure. Beyond the symbolism of high-profile defections, such realignments often influence grassroots mobilisation, campaign coordination and voter outreach.

In Sapele, for instance, the political landscape has changed considerably. The Delta State representative on the NDDC Board, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya—formerly regarded as one of Omo-Agege’s closest political allies and a notable member of the James Ibori political family—is now firmly within the APC fold. Likewise, Hon. Moses Ogodo, another former ally of the ex-Deputy Senate President, currently serves as Commissioner for Environment in Governor Oborevwori’s administration. Their political realignment reflects the broader consolidation taking place within the APC.

A similar trend is evident in Ethiope West Local Government Area, where several influential political figures who previously maintained close ties with Omo-Agege have aligned with the APC. Among them are Dr. Henry Ofa, Chief Emmanuel Ighomena, Chief William Makinde, Chief Solomon Golley, Chief Blessing Achaoja, and former council chairman, Chief Wilson Omene, who now serves as Special Adviser on Waterways Security. The alignment of the wider James Ibori political family, including Rt. Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, has further strengthened the APC’s political foothold in the area.

Ethiope East presents a similar picture. One of the latest high-profile defections is that of Chief Love Ojakovo, a prominent political leader in Okpara Kingdom, who has formally joined the APC. His departure follows the earlier realignment of Chief Francis Atanomeyvwi, another longtime Omo-Agege loyalist who previously served as Federal Commissioner following his appointment by the former Deputy Senate President.

The political implications are considerable. With Chief Faith Majemite, Barr. Fred Latimore, Chief Emeyese and other influential stakeholders now operating within the APC, many observers believe Omo-Agege’s remaining influence in the Kokori axis faces increasing pressure. Their combined grassroots networks are expected to challenge the influence of Martens, regarded by many as one of Omo-Agege’s remaining prominent allies in the area.

Ughelli South has also witnessed growing APC influence following the influx of former PDP leaders. Political observers point to the continued popularity of Rt. Rev. Francis Waive, the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, whose constituency projects and accessibility have earned him widespread support across the district. Many believe his political influence could further enhance the APC’s electoral prospects.

In Ughelli North, traditionally one of the APC’s strongest political bases, several leading figures who once worked closely with Omo-Agege have remained within the party despite his move to the NDC. Among them are Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Hon. Stella Okotete, Chief Ovie Agas, Chief Fred Majemite, Chief Sam Adjogbe, Chief Sam Mariere, Chief Jaro Egbo and Dr. Isaac Akpoveta. Increasingly, there is also a growing sentiment among political stakeholders that leadership opportunities within Delta Central should be broadened to accommodate a wider range of capable leaders rather than revolve around a single political figure.

Meanwhile, Sapele, Okpe and Uvwie continue to be regarded as strongholds of Senator Ede Dafinone. Supporters argue that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s ongoing infrastructure projects and governance initiatives across Delta State have further strengthened public confidence in the APC ahead of 2027.

They also point to Senator Dafinone’s performance since assuming office in 2023, citing his legislative contributions, constituency interventions and collaborative style of representation as factors that have broadened his acceptance across party lines. While the extent to which these achievements will translate into electoral advantage remains uncertain, supporters believe the incumbent has steadily consolidated his political base.

Nonetheless, it would be premature to conclude that the election is already settled. Nigerian politics has consistently demonstrated that political fortunes can change rapidly. Omo-Agege remains an experienced politician with substantial name recognition, a loyal support base and a reputation as a resilient campaigner. His supporters believe that voter sentiment, the appeal of the NDC and evolving political dynamics could still make the contest highly competitive.

Even so, the current political realities suggest that the former Deputy Senate President faces perhaps his most difficult electoral test since entering the Senate. Unlike previous elections, when he benefited from a more unified political structure, he now confronts an enlarged APC that has absorbed much of the former PDP establishment while retaining its traditional grassroots machinery.

If the present alignments remain intact, the outcome of the Delta Central senatorial election may depend less on individual popularity and more on organisational capacity, grassroots mobilisation and each party’s ability to convert political endorsements into votes.

For now, political momentum appears to favour Senator Ede Dafinone and the APC. Whether that momentum ultimately translates into victory, however, is a decision that rests with the electorate when they cast their votes in 2027.