I Didn’t Leave APC, the Party Left Me – Omo-Agege 

Former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, has defended his decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that he did not abandon the ruling party but was instead forced out by developments within it.

ThelensNG reports that Omo-Agege recently joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after leaving the APC and subsequently contested in the party’s primaries for the Delta Central Senatorial District seat.

Speaking on Arise News on Arise Television on Wednesday, he disclosed that his political realignment has not altered his support for the economic policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu, noting that the same policies were also endorsed by the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi..

“I didn’t leave APC, APC left me,” Omo-Agege declared.

The former Delta State governorship candidate stressed that he remains convinced that the current administration’s economic reforms are sound and necessary, despite criticisms from some Nigerians.

“These were policies that were espoused by Mr. President, which policies I support. These are the same policies that were also supported by Peter Obi. Have I changed my opinion about this? No, I have not,” he said.

According to him, his move to a new political platform does not signify a departure from the economic philosophy he previously backed under the APC-led government.

He argued that many Nigerians who have reservations about the reforms may be more comfortable with Obi implementing them because they have greater confidence in the former Anambra State governor.

“I just believe that under the new platform that I have gone to, these policies will continue and the majority of Nigerians who have issues with that policy will feel more confident because they are more comfortable and trust Peter Obi that he will be able to make these policies work even more than Mr. President could have done,” he stated.

“The policies are not bad policies. I supported them under President Tinubu and I continue to support them. Except this time, my own party will be espousing the same economic policies.”

Omo-Agege also dismissed suggestions that ongoing litigation relating to electoral timelines could jeopardise his political aspirations.

Responding to questions about the implications of court cases involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and electoral timetables, he argued that assumptions linking his political future to the outcome of the cases were misplaced.

He maintained that his status within his new party was not dependent on any pending judicial interpretation of Section 77 of the Electoral Act.

“What makes you think that my candidacy is predicated on that decision?” he asked.

The former Deputy Senate President further revealed that his membership records complied with the requirements of the Electoral Act regarding party registers submitted to INEC.

“All that Section 77 of the Electoral Act talks about is that your name should be on the register of members submitted to INEC before May 10. What makes you think that my name was not on the register before May 10?” he added.