How Omo-Agege Snubbed APC Chairman at Delta Stakeholders’ Meeting…Signals Shift Ahead of 2027
Omo-Agege with Gov Sheriff
A fresh twist in the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unfolded last Thursday at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at Government House, Asaba, as former Deputy Senate President and 2023 APC governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, openly snubbed the party’s state chairman, Chief Omeni Sobotie.
The incident occurred when Senator Omo-Agege arrived at the meeting, exchanged greetings with several party leaders seated at the high table, and also acknowledged the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, and proceeded to greet the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, without recognising the state APC chairman.
According to ‘Advocate.ng’, an attempt by the governor to draw his attention to the omission was reportedly brushed aside jokingly, with Omo-Agege referring to Sobotie as “the governor’s chairman,” a remark that has since sparked intense reactions within political circles as the video of the exchange has also been widely circulated online.
Despite the tense moment, Senator Omo-Agege used the meeting to pledge his support to Governor Oborevwori ahead of 2027 elections, promising to build on what he described as the gains recorded by the APC under his leadership.
He also assured party stakeholders of his readiness to work with other leaders to reposition the APC for a decisive victory in the 2027 general elections.
The development has revived attention on the long-standing leadership crisis within the Delta APC. Senator Omo-Agege was instrumental in the emergence of Chief Sobotie as state chairman ahead of the 2023 governorship election, a move that was resisted by several of his supporters and associates.
They had expressed fears that the chairman could later turn against him, concerns that resurfaced months after the 2023 election when the party became polarised.
The post-election crisis led to a near paralysis of APC activities in the state, with some party leaders aligning with a faction loyal to the Minister of Aviation. The division weakened the party’s cohesion and deepened internal distrust.
Political observers say the latest episode may signal an impending leadership change within the Delta APC, especially with party congresses approaching. Many believe the fate of the current state chairman hangs in the balance as the party seeks to reconcile factions and reposition itself ahead of 2027.
Senator Omo-Agege’s presence at the meeting was also significant, as he had largely stayed away from APC activities in Delta State since Governor Oborevwori’s defection to the party. His re-emergence at the stakeholders’ meeting has raised cautious optimism among party members that internal peace may be returning, even as uncertainty persists over the party’s leadership structure.
For now, the APC in Delta State appears poised at a crossroads, with unfolding events expected to determine its unity and electoral direction in the coming months.
