By Yahaya Idris, Asaba
A Delta State All Progressives Congres, APC, chieftain, Ossai Ovie Success, has condemned a statement attributed to former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, over the 2027 general elections, describing the remark as dangerous, inflammatory and capable of heightening political tension.
Success expressed disappointment over the reported statement, “We will kill anybody who rigs 2027 election immediately; it’s rig and die,” which he attributed to Omo-Agege, the former Delta Central senator and a factional candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), according to his account.
In a reaction, Success described any threat to the lives of voters as unacceptable in a democratic society, insisting that elections must be conducted peacefully and that political disagreements should be resolved through lawful means.
“I condemn in totality any statement threatening the lives of voters or suggesting that electoral disputes should be settled through violence. No politician, irrespective of position or political influence, has the right to threaten the life of any Nigerian,” he said.
He maintained that elections should be contests of ideas, public confidence, character and verifiable achievements rather than an avenue for intimidation, bloodshed or political confrontation.
Omo-Agege’s Alleged Remark Raises Concern
Success argued that inflammatory political rhetoric could create unnecessary fear among voters and undermine public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
He called on political leaders across party lines to exercise restraint in their public statements, warning that threats of violence could have serious consequences if taken literally or acted upon by supporters.
The Delta APC chieftain urged relevant security agencies to examine the reported statement and determine whether it warrants further investigation under applicable Nigerian laws.
He specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain vigilant and take appropriate action within their respective legal mandates.
According to him, no Nigerian should lose his or her life because of political ambition or disagreements over election results.
Success Questions Omo-Agege’s Political Record
In his reaction, Success also criticised Omo-Agege’s political antecedents, referring to the controversial 2018 incident at the National Assembly in which the Senate mace was taken away during a plenary session.
He argued that the episode remains a significant part of the political history surrounding the former deputy Senate president and questioned his moral authority to make statements that could be interpreted as promoting electoral confrontation.
Success said political leaders should demonstrate a commitment to democratic values, institutional respect and peaceful participation rather than resort to rhetoric that could inflame tensions.
He urged political actors to focus on convincing voters through credible programmes and policies instead of engaging in exchanges that could threaten public order.
Why Delta APC Says It Can Win Without Electoral Manipulation
Turning to the political contest ahead of 2027, Success maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State had sufficient grounds to campaign on its record without resorting to electoral malpractice.
He pointed to the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the programmes of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, under the MORE Agenda as issues the party intends to present to voters.
According to him, the APC’s campaign strategy should focus on taking its message to communities through door-to-door mobilisation, ward meetings, local government engagements and direct interaction with the electorate.
Success cited infrastructure development, student loan initiatives, economic reforms and other federal programmes as areas the party could highlight during its campaign.
At the state level, he referenced road construction projects, workers’ welfare, youth and women empowerment initiatives, and efforts to sustain peace and security as aspects of the Oborevwori administration’s record.
He argued that political parties should allow voters to assess competing claims and decide which candidates deserve their support at the ballot box.
“The APC has no reason to support electoral manipulation. Our responsibility is to present our achievements to the people and allow them to make their choice freely,” he said.
‘No Politician Should Turn Election Into War’
Success further accused Omo-Agege of contributing to political tension through the reported statement, arguing that fear of electoral defeat should never become an excuse for inflammatory language.
He also questioned the former senator’s criticism of electoral malpractice, although the allegations and characterisations contained in his reaction were not independently established in the statement provided.
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The APC stakeholder insisted that political credibility must be demonstrated through conduct, respect for democratic institutions and a willingness to accept the outcome of a credible election.
He called on the electorate to reject intimidation and remain committed to peaceful political participation ahead of the next general elections.
“Elections must be won through ideas, programmes, character and the confidence of the people. They must never be reduced to a contest of threats, guns, intimidation or jungle justice,” Success stated.
He added that the APC’s preferred approach in Delta State should be based on peaceful mobilisation, respect for the principle of one person, one vote, and the protection of voters’ rights.
Call for Security Agencies to Act
Success concluded by urging security agencies to pay attention to the reported statement and take any action justified by the evidence and the law.
He stressed that the 2027 elections should not become a source of bloodshed or political instability in Delta State.
He also called on party leaders, candidates and their supporters to avoid inflammatory language and ensure that their activities do not endanger residents.
“I reject the politics of bloodshed and the politics of ‘rig and die’. Delta State deserves peace, and every voter must be free to make a choice without fear or intimidation,” he said.
Success reiterated his disappointment over the statement attributed to Omo-Agege, insisting that political competition should strengthen democratic participation rather than threaten the safety of citizens.