In a decisive and strongly worded statement released in the early hours of Sunday, January 11, 2026, Comrade Reuben Izeze, the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), has publicly distanced himself from the intensifying political rivalries brewing in Ughelli South Local Government Area ahead of the 2027–2031 electoral cycle. The former principal officer of the Delta State House of Assembly and seasoned politician emphasized that he has no personal interest in contesting for any local leadership positions, such as chairmanship or councilorship roles, and urged all political actors, supporters, and the general public to immediately cease associating his name with any of the contending factions or interest groups jostling for dominance in the area.
"I belong to none of the conflicting groups and I have no dog in the fight," Izeze declared emphatically. He clarified that his primary focus remains firmly on discharging his official duties as a commissioner, contributing to community development, and engaging in broader civil society initiatives. This deliberate withdrawal from grassroots political tussles in Ughelli South marks a significant shift for the commissioner, who has a long history of active involvement in Delta State's political landscape, including his tenure as a lawmaker where he served with distinction.
Izeze attributed his decision to step back to valuable but painful lessons learned from previous experiences, particularly his participation in an earlier chairmanship contest in the local government. That episode, he revealed, exposed him to profound challenges related to assumptions, justice, fairness, and equity at the grassroots level. "It taught me hard lessons about the realities of local politics," he noted, explaining that these insights prompted him to consciously restrict his political engagements to his immediate ward and community, avoiding broader entanglements that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.
The statement comes at a time when Ughelli South is witnessing heightened political activities and factional divisions, fueled by preparations for the 2027 general elections. Various pressure groups and blocs have emerged, with some aligning strongly behind the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under Governor Sheriff Francis Orowhedor Oborevwori, while others maneuver for influence in local structures. Groups like the Ughelli South Political Colonels and Ughelli South United Forum have been vocal in pledging support for the governor's re-election and broader APC dominance in the region, often through endorsements, strategic meetings, and public declarations of loyalty.
Izeze categorically dismissed speculations linking him to either of the two major rival blocs reportedly operating in the LGA. He stressed that he would not engage in any "war" against individuals on either side, many of whom he maintains long-standing personal relationships with despite political differences. Without naming specific persons, he criticized certain actors for practicing a brand of politics driven primarily by personal financial interests, intimidation, and manipulation of party structures—practices he described as detrimental to genuine democratic growth and progress.
The commissioner also recounted past personal ordeals, including instances of blackmail and smear campaigns during his earlier political aspirations. These experiences, he said, have only strengthened his resolve to steer clear of such toxic dynamics. On the flip side, he rejected any notion of alignment with another prominent pressure group in the area, asserting that he had never received meaningful political backing from its leadership and fundamentally disagrees with what he termed transactional politics.
Shifting to his current political priorities, Izeze made it clear that his sole electoral interest lies in ensuring the continued success and re-election of Governor Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Orowhedor Oborevwori in 2027. He described the governor as the undisputed and sole leader recognized by the APC constitution in Delta State, underscoring his complete loyalty to Oborevwori's administration. This stance aligns with Izeze's earlier public declarations of support following the governor's high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move that has reshaped Delta's political landscape and consolidated APC control at the state level.
Currently, Izeze is actively coordinating The Foostodey, a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on empowerment and community development. Through this platform, he is implementing various programs aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and advancing the objectives of the Oborevwori administration. Notable initiatives under The Foostodey include financial donations to charitable foundations, empowerment schemes providing stipends and support to hundreds of households (such as the Ukodo Na Tėvwė program benefiting elderly persons and women entrepreneurs), and collaborations that promote healthcare access, education, and cultural preservation in Delta State.
Looking forward, Izeze addressed his role as a party member, stating that should future amendments to the Electoral Act restore his status as a statutory delegate, he would exercise his vote purely based on personal conviction and not be swayed by any form of inducement. He also explicitly declared his support for Hon. Rev. Ejiroghene Francis Waive, the current Member of the House of Representatives representing the Ughelli North/South/Udu Federal Constituency. Izeze praised Waive—a clergyman, accountant, and two-term federal lawmaker—for his consistent backing of progressive causes and his record of quality representation for the people of the constituency.
In conclusion, Izeze appealed to residents of Ughelli South to disregard any rumors or insinuations suggesting his involvement with local political factions. He positioned himself not as a power-seeking leader but as a "servant-in-perpetuity" dedicated to service, community upliftment, and supporting visionary leadership at higher levels. This declaration of neutrality is likely to calm speculations in the area while reinforcing his commitment to professionalism and loyalty to Governor Oborevwori amid Delta State's evolving political dynamics. As the countdown to 2027 continues, Izeze's stance serves as a reminder of the importance of focusing on governance, equity, and genuine service over divisive grassroots rivalries.
