In a candid appearance on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Friday, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, provided an in-depth rationale for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year. Aniagwu portrayed the switch, which occurred in April, as a pragmatic and forward-thinking maneuver designed to align Delta State more closely with the prevailing national political dynamics, ultimately yielding tangible benefits for the state’s residents.
Aniagwu, a key figure in the Oborevwori administration, framed the defection not as an abrupt betrayal of old loyalties but as a deliberate “necessary adjustment to the changing political climate.” He emphasized that the governor’s decision stemmed from a profound assessment of where Delta State’s long-term interests would be most effectively advanced. “We noticed a change in the taste of the palm wine, and it became necessary to adjust our drinking pattern,” Aniagwu remarked, employing a vivid local metaphor to illustrate the shift. This analogy underscored the idea that political affiliations, much like everyday habits, must evolve in response to altering circumstances. According to the commissioner, Governor Oborevwori “saw tomorrow” by anticipating the limitations within the PDP and seizing the opportunity to reposition Delta within the ruling APC at the federal level.
One of the most compelling arguments Aniagwu advanced was the marked increase in federal attention and resources flowing to Delta State since the defection. He acknowledged that even during the PDP era, there existed a baseline of “love” from the presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, joining the APC has elevated this relationship to a “whole new level of partnership and progress.” Aniagwu stressed that politics is inherently local, and if a realignment directly translates into improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, and developmental projects for Deltans, then it represents the correct path forward. This perspective highlights a pragmatic approach to governance, where ideological purity takes a backseat to practical outcomes that enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Delving into the specifics of post-defection gains, Aniagwu pointed to the administration’s accelerated infrastructure agenda as irrefutable evidence of the benefits. He highlighted the recent approval of two massive flyover projects: a ₦59 billion initiative at Uromi Junction in Agbor and another exceeding ₦39 billion at Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli. Both contracts have been awarded to the renowned construction firm Julius Berger, signaling high-level confidence in the state’s vision. These projects, Aniagwu noted, are part of Governor Oborevwori’s unwavering commitment to transforming Delta into a more livable and connected state. “From day one, Oborevwori has maintained his speed in making Delta a more livable state,” the commissioner declared. “He has not looked back; instead, he increases the momentum every day.” This continuity in performance, even amid a party switch, underscores the governor’s focus on delivery over partisan drama.
Addressing potential criticisms, Aniagwu tackled reports of internal frictions within the Delta State APC following the influx of PDP defectors, including the governor himself. He candidly admitted that integrating longstanding APC members with newcomers inevitably generates “differing interests.” Merging these factions is akin to blending families, where initial disagreements are natural but surmountable through dialogue and leadership. Since April 28, when the defection was formalized, Governor Oborevwori has dedicated efforts to “manage these interests and bring a lot of people together,” Aniagwu explained. He dismissed notions of sidelining older party faithful, asserting that such claims often stem from isolated voices rather than widespread discontent.
In a democratic setup, Aniagwu argued, the freedom to voice grievances is a hallmark of healthy politics. “That someone comes on TV to express grievances does not mean he is bitter,” he said. “Democracy offers everyone the right to speak. What matters is that, at the end of the day, we all move in one direction.” This tolerant stance reflects an understanding that political parties are coalitions of diverse viewpoints, and unity is forged through consensus rather than coercion.
The commissioner also responded to allegations of “kangaroo suspensions” targeting party officials in local government areas such as Ughelli North and Ethiope West. He firmly denied any gubernatorial overreach, clarifying that these actions were initiated by local party structures in accordance with internal protocols. “If a local government party chairman is not doing what he is supposed to do, the people in that local government have the power to act,” Aniagwu elaborated. “That does not mean the governor is interfering. The processes of the party must be respected.” By decentralizing accountability to the grassroots level, the administration aims to uphold party discipline without appearing authoritarian, thereby maintaining internal democracy.
Looking ahead, Aniagwu expressed optimism about the APC’s cohesion in Delta State, particularly in preparation for the 2027 general elections. He described the party’s members as “all children of one parent—the APC,” bound by a shared commitment to securing votes for President Tinubu’s re-election and ensuring Governor Oborevwori’s continued leadership. While acknowledging that “there will always be different interests,” he reiterated that politics thrives on “collective progress” rather than enforced uniformity. This unified front, in his view, positions Delta to maximize national opportunities and sustain its developmental trajectory.
In conclusion, Aniagwu reiterated that Governor Oborevwori’s defection was devoid of personal ambition and wholly oriented toward state advancement. “The governor’s decision was not about personal gain,” he affirmed. “It was about ensuring Delta State continues to grow and benefit from national opportunities. And so far, the results speak for themselves.” Through enhanced federal partnerships, landmark infrastructure projects, and internal party management, the move has not only stabilized Delta’s political landscape but also amplified its voice within Nigeria’s broader governance framework. As the state navigates this new chapter, the administration’s narrative of strategic adaptation and inclusive progress continues to resonate, promising further dividends for the people of Delta.
