Delta Central 2027: APC chieftain backs Omo-Agege, defends zoning structure
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Williams Makinde, has defended the prevailing power-sharing arrangement in Delta Central, supporting calls for former Deputy Senate President
- By Elo Edremoda, Warri
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Williams Makinde, has defended the prevailing power-sharing arrangement in Delta Central, supporting calls for former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege to return to the Senate in 2027.
In a statement, Makinde maintained that political balance in Urhobo land has historically followed a dual structure based on Eastern and Western divisions, rather than rotation among federal constituencies, dismissing opposing claims as misleading.
He argued that the senatorial seat should return to Eastern Urhobo, describing the move as both “honourable and necessary,” while presenting Omo-Agege as the most suitable candidate for the position.
Makinde explained that Western Urhobo consists of Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie and Ethiope constituencies, while Eastern Urhobo comprises Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu.
He further cited past precedents, noting that political power in the district has traditionally been balanced between the two blocs.
“The facts of history is that whenever the opportunity for Urhobo to produce the Governor of Delta State presents itself, the positions of Governor and Senator are normally shared between Eastern Urhobo Division and Western Urhobo Division,” he said.
Makinde also referenced the APC’s 2023 nominations, where, according to him, stakeholders from Eastern Urhobo stepped aside to allow Ede Dafinone from the Western bloc to emerge as the party’s senatorial candidate.
“This precedent guided APC’s 2023 nominations. Now, honour demands we return the favour. It’s Western Urhobo’s turn to show statesmanship and yield the senate seat to Eastern Urhobo in 2027,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to deviate from the arrangement could destabilise the region’s political equilibrium.
“Having benefited from this power-sharing… Western Urhobo cannot now turn around to oppose it,” he added.
Makinde further stressed the advantage of electing a ranking lawmaker, saying Delta Central would benefit from Omo-Agege’s experience.
“There is no Urhobo person who has attained higher ranking in the senate than the former Deputy President of the senate,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to rally behind Omo-Agege, describing him as “young, full of energy and filled with bright ideas,” and called on Western Urhobo leaders to preserve unity by respecting the zoning tradition.
