By Chike Ofili
Support for Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, continued to swell on Wednesday as key stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress, APC, declared the party united under his leadership despite the resignation of former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.
The development came as the Integrity Group, ambassadors of the MORE Agenda and the You Matter Charity Foundation, praised Oborevwori’s administration for what they described as transformational leadership, massive infrastructure delivery and growing political acceptance across Delta State.
Speaking during a media briefing to mark the governor’s third anniversary in office, National Chairman and Convener of the Integrity Group, Dr. Oke Idawene, said Governor Oborevwori had redefined governance in the state through strategic investments in roads, healthcare, education and social welfare.
According to him, no fewer than 3,500 kilometres of road projects have been completed under the administration, while several healthcare centres have been renovated and upgraded across the state.
Idawene also commended the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare and sustaining peace and stability across Delta communities.
He particularly praised the administration’s widows’ welfare scheme, saying it had brought relief to vulnerable residents across the state.
On education, he described Delta’s three state-owned universities as among the best in the country, noting that uninterrupted academic calendars and improved funding had strengthened the institutions under Oborevwori’s leadership.
The Integrity Group maintained that the governor’s achievements had made him overwhelmingly popular among the people, insisting that any political opposition against him would amount to a futile venture.
“Judging by the governor’s performance, it will be political suicide for anyone to contest against him. In fact, any candidate seeking to challenge the governor would require psychological evaluation. You do not change a winning team,” Idawene declared.
He further dismissed insinuations of crisis within the APC in Delta State, insisting that the party remained solidly united behind Governor Oborevwori.
The declaration came as former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, announced his resignation from the APC following his defeat in the party’s senatorial primary.
In a statement signed by his media adviser, Sunday Areh, Omo-Agege disclosed that he had formally communicated his resignation to the APC Chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The former senator said his decision was informed by recent political developments within the APC in Delta State and consultations with his political associates and supporters.
According to him, remaining in the party would no longer allow him to effectively pursue the political interests of Delta Central Senatorial District and the state.
“After reviewing recent developments in the party in Delta State and consulting with my associates and supporters, it is clear my political objectives and those of my constituents are better served outside the APC,” he stated.
Omo-Agege added that he could not remain “a sitting duck” in a political environment where he believed he could no longer advance the interests of his people.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the APC for providing him the platform to serve as Deputy President of the Ninth Senate between 2019 and 2023.
His exit was largely welcomed by political stakeholders within the party who insist that his presence had become divisive, and capable of generating more bad blood than votes for the APC in Delta.