By JKNewsMedia
DELTA STATE’s political landscape has undergone a seismic shift, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his full political structure broke ranks with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending nearly three decades of dominance in the state and aligning fully with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This decision has been described as a “strategic movement” rather than a defection.
This was confirmed during a live broadcast on a TV magazine by Charles Aniagwu, the state’s Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information.
Aniagwu blamed the PDP’s long-running internal crises for the exodus and pointed to what he called “organic goodwill” from the APC-led federal government as a catalyst for the transition.
“At the National Working Committee level, it became impossible to understand what the party leaders were doing, who they were working for, or even their direction,” Aniagwu said.
“This lack of clarity made it necessary for us to act—so we can continue delivering on our promises to the people.”
The commissioner said the Governor’s team had exhausted all efforts to salvage cohesion within the PDP, but with key meetings repeatedly postponed and leadership disputes unresolved, the writing was on the wall.
“These postponements were like flat tyres at crucial junctions. We hoped these issues could be resolved and even participated in finding solutions, but it eventually became clear the crisis was intractable.”
Oborevwori’s administration, he explained, had made developmental gains that needed protection from political instability.
Aniagwu said the shift to the APC was not taken lightly but followed wide consultations and a collective desire to continue the trajectory of progress across Delta.
“No one is disputing the progress we have made. But we realised that to continue on this path, we needed to connect with the centre—a centre that has shown us considerable goodwill, especially since the political vehicle we were in developed serious faults.”
He underscored that the President’s supportive posture toward the state played a crucial role in influencing their decision.
“Even while we were still in the PDP, the President showed us genuine, organic love. So moving toward such a person isn’t a difficult choice.”
Aniagwu pushed back against suggestions that Delta’s political migration could lead to a one-party state. Instead, he called the move a necessary recalibration, not a dismantling of the democratic process.
“We do not wish for the PDP to die now or ever. A viable opposition is essential for any democracy. But people must make decisions that help them realise their goals.”
He emphasised that governance should not be sacrificed at the altar of political sentiment.
“Politics is about contesting elections, winning, and governing the people. If you’re in a situation where it’s difficult to achieve those goals and continue the developmental trajectory, then it’s important to make a decision.”
Drawing on constitutional duty, Aniagwu said the administration remains focused on delivering security and welfare, as outlined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
“As an administration, we are in government to improve the welfare of our people. Are we doing that in Delta? To the best of my knowledge—yes. No one is contesting Governor Oborevwori’s performance.”
He added that change must be driven by conscious decisions rather than sentiment.
“It’s often said that one thing that is constant in life is change. But I’ve come to realise that something even more constant is decision—because change itself is a product of decision.”
As Delta’s political alignment shifts, Aniagwu said the focus remains firmly on the people, their welfare, and sustained development.
“We have taken a decision to enhance development in our state, and we are confident that, in consultation with our people, this movement will deepen progress in Delta.”
