The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not a personal gamble but a well-thought-out decision aimed at boosting Delta’s development and strengthening its relationship with the federal government.
Speaking during a live appearance on TVC’s Politics Tonight, Aniagwu described the governor’s political switch as “a necessary adjustment to the realities of the moment.” He explained that the move was made purely in the interest of Delta State, not out of personal ambition or partisan rivalry.
“We noticed a change in the taste of the palm wine, and it became necessary to adjust our drinking pattern,” Aniagwu said metaphorically. “That was what we did when we looked at the situation in the PDP. From what we’ve seen so far, our governor foresaw the future.”
According to the commissioner, Oborevwori’s defection earlier this year was driven by a pragmatic understanding of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape and the need to align Delta State with the federal administration, which has shown commitment to supporting its developmental goals.
“Even while we were in the PDP, there was love,” Aniagwu noted. “But now, being part of the same political family as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has opened up a new level of partnership and progress. Politics is local if this alignment benefits our people, then it’s the right thing to do.”
Aniagwu added that since Governor Oborevwori joined the APC in April, Delta State has enjoyed stronger cooperation with the federal government, particularly on key infrastructure and economic projects.
Responding to reports of friction within the Delta APC following the governor’s entry, Aniagwu admitted that merging old APC members with new entrants from the PDP naturally created some differences but said the governor had worked tirelessly to unify everyone.
“You don’t expect everyone to be on the same page immediately,” he said. “But since April 28, the governor has managed diverse interests, calmed tensions, and brought people together.”
He dismissed claims that the governor’s loyalists were sidelining long-time APC members, calling such allegations exaggerated and politically driven.
“Someone airing grievances on TV doesn’t mean he’s bitter,” Aniagwu explained. “Democracy allows everyone to speak their mind. What matters is that, in the end, we all move in the same direction.”
On reports of alleged “kangaroo suspensions” of APC officials in local government areas such as Ughelli North and Ethiope West, Aniagwu clarified that the governor was not involved.
“If a local government party chairman isn’t performing, the local members have the power to act,” he said. “That doesn’t mean the governor is interfering. Party processes must be respected.”
Highlighting the administration’s achievements since the political realignment, Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori has maintained and even accelerated Delta’s development pace. He cited the recent approval of two major infrastructure projects: the ₦59 billion Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor and the ₦39 billion Otovwodo Junction Flyover in Ughelli, both awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, as evidence of the government’s commitment to meaningful progress.
“From his first day in office, Governor Oborevwori has been focused on making Delta a more livable state,” Aniagwu said. “He hasn’t slowed down if anything, he’s picking up more speed.”
He emphasized that the Delta APC remains united behind the governor and committed to supporting President Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are now all children of one family the APC,” Aniagwu said. “There will always be different opinions, but what matters is consensus. Politics isn’t about everyone thinking alike; it’s about collective progress.”
Concluding, Aniagwu stressed that the governor’s decision to defect was a bold leadership move, meant to secure Delta’s place in Nigeria’s development agenda.
“It was never about personal benefit,” he said. “It was about ensuring Delta continues to attract investment, grow stronger, and benefit from national opportunities and the results are already showing.”
