Oborevwori Dismisses Omo Agege’s Political Relevance, Says Dafinone Commands Urhobo Respect

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has dismissed suggestions that former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, remains a major political force in the state, insisting that Senator Ede Dafinone is a formidable figure whose influence and family legacy resonate strongly across Urhoboland.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV on Tuesday, Oborevwori said Omo Agege’s recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) came as no surprise, noting that many of his loyalists had exited the party months earlier.

“We saw it coming. Before he left, most of his people had already left over three months ago, so we were all aware,” the governor said.

Oborevwori argued that Omo Agege’s approach to the APC Delta Central Senatorial primary election reflected a lack of commitment to the process, claiming that the former Deputy Senate President failed to consult party leaders and stakeholders before contesting.

“That was why he was not serious in the contest of the primaries because he never consulted anybody. He never consulted me. He never consulted the leaders. APC is a big party,” he stated.

The governor contrasted Omo Agege’s actions with his own political strategy, explaining that he sought the support of party leaders before indicating interest in seeking a second term.

“As a governor, I met with people and told them, ‘Look, I want to go back for my second tenure.’ That is why nobody even indicated interest in contesting with me. We believe in the zoning arrangement in Delta State, and it is the turn of Delta Central,” he said.

Responding to concerns that Omo Agege’s political moves could affect the APC’s chances in Delta Central, Oborevwori insisted that the former Deputy Senate President does not pose a threat.

“He is not a threat because I have won it before,” the governor declared.
Oborevwori also praised Senator Ede Dafinone, who emerged as the APC candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District, describing him as a respected leader with a strong family reputation and enduring influence in the Urhobo nation.

“The man who got the ticket in my party, Senator Ede Dafinone, is a gentleman. They have a reputation. Dafinone is a big name in the Urhobo nation because his father was a senator and he has contributed to the development of Delta State. So that legacy is there,” he said.

The governor maintained that the APC primary election that produced Dafinone was free, fair and transparent, urging Omo-Agege to accept the outcome.

“Somebody was given the opportunity, we conducted a free and fair primary and he lost. It is for him to embrace the outcome because the process was transparent. Very transparent. I am a democrat, so it was transparent,” he added.

Oborevwori further questioned Omo-Agege’s political loyalty, alleging that the former Deputy Senate President had repeatedly fallen out with political benefactors and allies throughout his career.

“This same man came into politics in 2002 with nothing. This state made him. The people who made him, he fought them. James Ibori made him, and he left. He betrayed Ogboru; he left. He fought others who helped him politically,” the governor alleged.

Despite the political developments, Oborevwori expressed confidence in his administration’s performance, stressing that governance and the delivery of democratic dividends remain the strongest tools for winning public support.

“For me, I don’t think he is a threat because we are doing well as a state. What will make people support your party is what you are doing and what you are able to do. In terms of infrastructure, we are doing well. In terms of security, we are doing our best. You must have something to campaign with,” he said.

The governor’s remarks come amid growing political realignments in Delta State following Omo-Agege’s departure from the APC and increasing speculation over the battle for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.