Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has expressed confidence that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's impressive performance in office and the state's established zoning arrangement would ensure his re-election in 2027, dismissing any perceived threats from opposition figures.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori's administration had made significant impacts across the 25 local government areas of the state, stressing that the governor's achievements would ultimately determine the outcome of the next governorship election.
According to him, the governor's "greatest asset" ahead of the 2027 polls remains his performance record, which he said is visible in communities across Delta State.
"Oborevwori is standing on his performance. Across the 25 local government areas, his projects speak very loudly. When you go to most communities, people will tell you that while all problems may not have been solved, they can clearly see the footprints of Governor Oborevwori in their areas," Aniagwu stated.
The commissioner noted that the entrenched zoning arrangement in Delta State also favours the governor's continued stay in office, explaining that political stakeholders across the state's three senatorial districts understand and respect the rotational principle.
He argued that any governorship aspirant from Delta Central Senatorial District seeking to challenge Oborevwori in 2027 would face significant political hurdles because of the widespread acceptance that the governor should complete his two-term tenure.
Aniagwu also dismissed suggestions that opposition forces could leverage the popularity of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi or other political platforms to upset the political balance in Delta State.
"The governorship election is different from the presidential election. At the state level, what matters most is performance, and Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated that. The people can see what his administration is doing," he said.
On infrastructure development, the commissioner announced that the landmark Trans-Warri/Ode-Itsekiri Road and Bridges Project has been completed by the Oborevwori administration.
Describing the project as transformative, he said the completion of the road and its numerous bridges had opened up previously inaccessible riverine communities and significantly improved transportation within the state.
"The Trans-Warri road project has been completed. All the bridges have been completed. You can now travel from Asaba to Warri in about one hour and 55 minutes. That tells you the level of infrastructure development taking place under Governor Oborevwori," he said.
Aniagwu further highlighted the administration's efforts in addressing flooding challenges in major urban centres, including Warri, Uvwie, Okpe and Asaba.
According to him, the government is investing billions of naira in extensive stormwater drainage projects designed to tackle perennial flooding and improve environmental sustainability.
He explained that some of the drainage channels being constructed are of enormous capacity due to the scale of the flooding problems they are intended to solve.
The commissioner also disclosed that the administration is reviewing and restructuring youth empowerment and entrepreneurship programmes inherited from the previous administration in order to achieve better outcomes.
He said the government had identified certain gaps in the implementation of earlier programmes and was introducing reforms that would ensure greater effectiveness and impact on beneficiaries.
"We have taken steps to review the previous programmes, identify areas where improvements are needed and develop new models that will deliver better results. In the not-too-distant future, additional programmes will be rolled out to address youth empowerment and job creation," he said.
Speaking on the contentious Warri Federal Constituency delineation exercise, Aniagwu commended Governor Oborevwori for handling the matter with fairness, objectivity and maturity.
He noted that the governor had carefully avoided taking sides among the affected ethnic groups, including the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo communities, thereby maintaining public confidence in the process.
According to him, the governor's calm and responsible approach has helped to prevent tensions from escalating and demonstrated his commitment to promoting peace and unity in the state.
"Governor Oborevwori believes that all the ethnic groups involved are his people. He is looking at the issues objectively and considering the larger interest of the state.
The way he has handled the matter shows leadership, responsibility and a commitment to peaceful coexistence," Aniagwu said.
He expressed optimism that the issues surrounding the delineation exercise would eventually be resolved amicably through dialogue and lawful processes, while reaffirming the state's commitment to peace and stability.
