Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Delta, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, has stated that the recent Supreme Court judgment on the Electoral Act does not disqualify him from contesting the 2027 election. According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaighe, the judgment only restored certain sections of the Electoral Act 2026, which concern party membership registers and candidate nomination. Omo-Agege emphasized that the court's decision did not make any order against him or pronounce him ineligible to contest the 2027 election.
The Supreme Court judgment, which was delivered last Thursday, restored Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7), and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. These sections relate to party membership registers and candidate nomination. Omo-Agege's statement comes as supporters of Sen. Ede Dafinone, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, were celebrating the judgment, believing it would disqualify Omo-Agege from the election. However, Omo-Agege described these celebrations as misplaced.
Omo-Agege's name was contained in the NDC membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before May 10 and appeared on the commission's published final list of candidates. He stressed that the Supreme Court's ruling did not issue a candidate-specific ruling against him. According to him, turning the judgment into an announcement that he was out of the race amounted to political propaganda rather than an accurate representation of the court's decision.
Omo-Agege remains focused on the 2027 contest in Delta Central and has urged his political opponents to campaign on their records and programs. He emphasized that if Dafinone wants the Senate seat, he should come to the field with his record, program, and arguments for another term. Omo-Agege's statement aims to clarify the implications of the Supreme Court's judgment on his eligibility to contest the 2027 election.
The NDC candidate also recalled that he had previously made demands for a probe into certain issues and condemned the blockade of a visit by a prominent leader. These past events demonstrate Omo-Agege's active involvement in Nigerian politics and his commitment to upholding democratic principles.
Omo-Agege's eligibility to contest the 2027 election has been a subject of interest following the Supreme Court's judgment. His clarification aims to put to rest speculation about his participation in the election. As the election approaches, Omo-Agege's supporters and opponents will be watching closely for any developments that may affect the outcome.
The Supreme Court's judgment has significant implications for the 2027 election, particularly with regards to candidate eligibility and party membership registers. Omo-Agege's statement serves as a reminder that the court's decision does not automatically disqualify any candidate. Instead, it emphasizes the need for candidates to meet the requirements outlined in the Electoral Act.
Key points
- Omo-Agege says Supreme Court judgment doesn't bar him from 2027 election.
- Supreme Court restored sections of Electoral Act 2026 related to party membership registers and candidate nomination.
- Omo-Agege urges opponents to campaign on their records and programs.
