Okotete, Omo-Agege Trade Political Claims Over Oborevwori’s 2023 Victory
Political Rivalry Resurfaces Over 2023 Governorship Election
POLITICAL debates surrounding the 2023 Delta State governorship election resurfaced on Wednesday as Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Stella Okotete, defended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s electoral victory while responding to comments made by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
Okotete argued that the outcome of the election remains one of the clearest demonstrations of Oborevwori’s political appeal across Delta State, insisting that the governor prevailed despite facing an opponent who enjoyed significant advantages at the federal level.
Her remarks followed comments reportedly made by Omo-Agege during an appearance on ARISE Television’s The Morning Show, where issues relating to Delta State politics and the evolving dynamics within the All Progressives Congress (APC) came under discussion.
Oborevwori’s Popularity at the Centre of the Debate
According to Okotete, Governor Oborevwori’s electoral performance reflected widespread grassroots support across the state and should not be dismissed as a product of political circumstances.
She maintained that the governor’s ability to secure victories in the majority of Delta’s local government areas demonstrated a broad-based acceptance that transcended party structures and elite political alignments.
Okotete further contended that the APC’s decision to welcome Oborevwori into its fold was influenced by a strategic assessment of political realities within Delta State.
According to her, party leaders considered the governor’s influence and electoral appeal as important assets in strengthening the APC’s position ahead of future political contests.
Recounting the 2023 Election Outcome
In defending her position, Okotete pointed to the distribution of votes across Delta State during the governorship election.
She noted that Oborevwori secured victories in most local government areas, while Omo-Agege’s victories were concentrated in a smaller number of councils.
For supporters of the governor, the election outcome remains evidence of his political strength and ability to mobilise support across diverse communities in the state.
The debate reflects how the 2023 governorship contest continues to shape political narratives within Delta State, particularly as politicians and stakeholders position themselves for future elections.
APC Realignments and Emerging Political Calculations
Observers note that recent political developments in Delta State have triggered fresh discussions about leadership, influence and party control within the APC.
The integration of former political rivals into the same platform has inevitably generated competing interpretations of past elections and differing assessments of political relevance.
While supporters of Oborevwori point to his electoral record as proof of his influence, allies of Omo-Agege continue to highlight his longstanding role in building the APC structure in Delta State.
Contest for Political Relevance Continues
Beyond the exchange of statements, analysts believe the debate underscores a broader struggle over political leadership and influence within Delta State’s evolving political landscape.
As preparations gradually begin for future electoral contests, the interpretation of the 2023 election results is likely to remain a key reference point for both camps.
For now, the renewed war of words serves as a reminder that the political consequences of the 2023 governorship election continue to reverberate through Delta State’s political establishment.
