*Party Downplays Implications Of Omo-Agege’s Exit
THE number of aggrieved and disgruntled members of the Delta State chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dumping the party appears to be growing, as a former speaker of House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, formally resigned his membership, citing the need for broader political growth and continued commitment to service.
Ochei, in a statement announcing his resignation, said after “deep reflections and wide consultations” with political associates and supporters, hit became necessary for him to exit the party he joined in 2016 with sincerity and strong belief in its vision and spent the last 10 years contributing significantly to strengthening its growth at various levels.
He recalled: “Together with many committed party faithful, we expanded the party’s reach, deepened its structures, mobilised support across communities and worked tirelessly to give the party relevance and visibility within our political environment.”
Ochei said long before many current leaders in the party joined the APC, he had dedicated himself to the ideals of leadership, grassroots development and public service, saying he was leaving the party proud of the progress achieved through years of political engagement, youth inclusion, women participation and democratic development.
While stressing that leadership and political institutions must evolve to reflect fairness, inclusion and the aspirations of the people, he added: “It is in recognition of this need for broader growth and the continuation of my political convictions that I have chosen to chart a new course.”
Ochei stated that his decision was not borne out of bitterness or resentment toward anyone, but inspired by his enduring commitment to service and progress, noting: “This decision is not borne out of bitterness, resentment or hostility toward anyone.
“Rather, it is inspired by my enduring commitment to service, progress and the political future I envision for our people.”
He expressed gratitude to supporters, stakeholders and party faithful who stood by him throughout his stay in the APC, urging his associates to remain peaceful and committed to democratic ideals, saying: “As I move forward to continue my political journey from the APC, I do so with hope, renewed determination and faith in the future.”
Ochei’s action came at a time the state chpater of the party downplayed the implications of the earlier exit of a former deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege, saying his action would not affect its strength, unity or political fortunes in the state.
The party, in a statement on Thursday by the state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, said the APC in Delta remained “strong, united and irrevocably aligned” with the leadership and political direction of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The statement said the party received news of Omo-Agege’s resignation with “unbothered equanimity” and wished him well in his future political pursuits, insisting that it had witnessed unprecedented growth, renewed political relevance and wider grassroots acceptance since Oborevwori aligned with the ruling party.
It further said party faithful across wards, local government areas and senatorial districts had embraced what it as a new vision of inclusion, stability and purposeful leadership under the governor’s influence.
The statement alledged that Omo-Agege had contributed little to strengthening its structures or fostering unity since the governor joined the APC; hence his departure would not weaken the party’s prospects in the state, noting: “His exit does not diminish the strength, stability or prospects of our great party.”
The party also rejected what it described as “false and misleading narratives” suggesting that its fortunes in Delta State were tied to any individual political figure, insisting Delta APC had evolved beyond personality-driven politics into a formidable institution founded on collective leadership, broad participation and commitment to the progress of Deltans.
The APC stated that developments leading to Omo-Agege’s exit had long indicated a deliberate political separation, citing the movement of some of his close associates, including Ejaife Odebala, Ominimini Obiuwevbi and Collins Egbetamah, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) before the party primaries.
It also alleged that Omo-Agege’s participation in the senatorial primary was part of a calculated political strategy aimed at facilitating his eventual exit from the party after failing to secure the ticket, accusing him of distancing himself from crucial party activities after the primaries, including failing to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral victory efforts.
According to it: “Let no one be deceived: The exit of one individual, regardless of past titles or political history, does nothing to diminish the strength, stability, or electoral prospects of Delta APC.”
It reiterated its loyalty to Tinubu and Oborevwori, describing them as figures whose leadership had inspired confidence and repositioned the party as a dominant political force nationally and within the state.
The statement emphasised that Delta APC remained committed to consolidating its gains and building a stronger political structure for the benefit of Deltans.
