Okotete to Omo-Agege: Oborevwori Defeated You Despite Federal Backing in 2023
The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Stella Okotete, has said that Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, defeated former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in the 2023 governorship election despite the considerable influence and support allegedly available to the APC candidate at the federal level.
Okotete made the assertion while reacting to comments made by Omo-Agege during an appearance on The Morning Show on ARISE Television on Wednesday.
She maintained that the outcome of the 2023 governorship election clearly demonstrated Governor Oborevwori’s widespread acceptance and political strength across Delta State, dismissing any suggestion that the governor lacks influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to her, the APC’s decision to welcome Oborevwori into its fold was driven by the need to strengthen the party’s political structure and leadership in the state.
“The APC gave Governor Sheriff Oborevwori a platform when it became obvious that the party in Delta State needed stronger leadership and broader political appeal,” she stated.
Okotete further recalled that Omo-Agege and some of his allies had previously aligned with a minority position within the party months before Oborevwori formally joined the APC.
Highlighting the results of the 2023 governorship election, she noted that Oborevwori secured victory in 21 of Delta State’s 25 local government areas, while Omo-Agege won only a few councils.
“Governor Oborevwori won 21 local government areas during the election, while Senator Omo-Agege won only about three and a half local governments,” she claimed.
The NEXIM executive also questioned the authenticity of some of the votes recorded in areas regarded as Omo-Agege’s political strongholds, alleging that certain figures were manipulated.
“My brother’s organic votes were created in Orogun at midnight. Those of us who were actively involved in the field understand what I mean by that,” she alleged.
Okotete argued that the election outcome remains the most compelling evidence of Oborevwori’s political dominance, stressing that he defeated a highly-ranking federal officeholder despite the advantages that came with his position at the time.
“The then Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, by the grace of God, defeated the sitting Deputy Senate President who enjoyed the full weight of federal influence in the 2023 governorship election.
The facts are there for everyone to see, and Nigerians can draw their own conclusions,” she said.
Her remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and debates within the APC in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
