By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has suffered another political setback after losing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for the Delta Central Senatorial District ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
Omo-Agege was defeated by Onome Bernice Dema in a closely contested primary election that party stakeholders described as highly competitive.
The former deputy senate president recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC after failing to secure the APC senatorial ticket, which was won by former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Results from the NDC primary showed that Omo-Agege retained support in several of his traditional strongholds, including Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu and Uvwie local government areas, where his established political structures delivered significant votes.
However, Dema’s overwhelming victories in Sapele and Okpe local government areas proved decisive in the race.
In Sapele, Dema polled 1,352 votes against Omo-Agege’s four votes, while in Okpe she secured 1,650 votes compared to his five votes, effectively neutralising his gains in other areas.
Omo-Agege recorded narrow victories in some councils, including Ughelli South, where he scored 1,160 votes to Dema’s 1,146, and Ethiope West, where he polled 360 votes against her 340.
He also won comfortably in Udu with 900 votes to Dema’s 250, Uvwie with 400 votes against 200, and Ughelli North, where he secured 1,024 votes compared to Dema’s 35.
Party sources said results from Ethiope East Local Government Area were excluded from the final collation following reports of irregularities during the voting process.
At the conclusion of the exercise, Dema emerged victorious with a total of 4,973 votes, defeating Omo-Agege, who garnered 3,853 votes.
Two other aspirants in the contest, Akpodiete and Ineneji, polled 92 and 31 votes respectively.
With the victory, Dema becomes the NDC’s candidate for the Delta Central Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.
