Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, has firmly stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not in the business of jumping ship and remains a committed member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking on ARISE NEWS interview on Friday, Aniagwu called the rumours of a potential defection of the Delta governor to the All Progressives Congress (APC), unfounded, emphasising that the governor’s loyalty to the PDP is unwavering.
“Oborevwori is not only a proud member of the PDP… he is also a performing governor,” Aniagwu declared, reiterating that the speculation was merely wishful thinking from APC supporters.
“Oborevwori is not in the business of jumping,” he added.
Aniagwu also recognised the internal challenges facing the PDP but rejected claims that the party was on the verge of collapse. He acknowledged that while there are disagreements and conflicts, these are natural in a party that has provided leadership for 16 years.
“For those individuals who think that PDP is going into extinction, I think that is the height of malaria-induced dream,” he added.
The commissioner further highlighted the role of the PDP as a viable opposition party, dedicated to the growth of Nigeria beyond partisan interests. He said, “In the PDP, we think of Nigeria, not just of our political party.
“The PDP is very much interested in the growth of this country and not the selfish interest of those who are within the political party. To that extent, we will remain as a very viable opposition party that is committed to the growth of this country.”
During last year’s local government elections, Aniagwu voiced confidence in the PDP’s success and overall performance in Delta State, highlighting the party’s sweep of all 25 chairmanship seats in the councils. He noted that they ran a vigorous campaign, even though the governor’s accomplishments alone could have secured their victory.
“I understand why they could not seek cause they were already intimidated by Oborevwori’s performance, but if they had tried a little… maybe they would have been able to find one or two counsellors,” he added.
Aniagwu also lauded the governor’s commitment to local government autonomy and financial transparency, stating, “In Delta state, for the little period that between, when the last local government left and when the new ones came, to tell you who Oborevwori is, all the money that was meant for the local government, for that little about three months window, the man kept it for them.
“Our own autonomy has nothing to do with the Supreme Court judgement. Our own autonomy has been a product of understanding of politics and democracy, and Okowa, as a man who has been in the national assembly, he started that, and Oborevwori is taking it a notch higher by strengthening it, so our local government chairmen, we don’t even disturb them.”
Concluding his remarks, Aniagwu attributed the APC’s struggles in Delta State to Governor Oborevwori’s effective governance.
“The reason why the APC in Delta is in disarray is that Oborevwori has continued to respond with projects. They have not been able to understand that mechanism,” he asserted.