This time in the election cycle for the 2023 Delta governorship, the atmosphere was already super charged. Noise, tension everywhere. Hardly anyone was sure where the pendulum would swing.
The situation was dicey for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, then candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), versus Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, who flew the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag.
Against recent bragging at a Lagos lecture by Oborevwori that he roundly defeated Omo-Agege in that election, the governor sweated, fought tooth and nail to gain that victory.
From the campaigns till when the final results of votes were declared, both camps, jittery, held their hands in their mouths through it all.
The governor felt real threat from a formidable, intimidating opponent in Omo-Agege, the margin of victory, 120,005 votes, not coming easy.
“His administration has gained significant traction through execution of major transportation infrastructure projects, including flagship flyovers and road networks across Uvwie, Warri, Ughelli and Agbor. “Public perception suggests a high level of acceptance for his performance, leading many to believe he should be allowed to complete a second term (2027–2031).”
A close political associate of the Governor and APC chieftain told Vanguard, “Oborevwori’s real masterstroke was the ‘Tsunami’ movement into the APC.
“It was intentional. Defecting from a place of strength to take over the Delta APC structure shut the doors to Agege and all strong voices who were interested in the governorship. “Party politics is cost intensive. The APC knew Oborevwori was a win-win for the party. APC becomes the State’s ruling party with a governor that has the financial muscle to bankroll the machinery to smash the opposition through elections."
