The Delta State Government says Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will approach the 2027 general elections with a record of visible achievements, declaring that his campaign message will be based on “I have done” rather than “I will do.”
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated this while briefing journalists in Asaba, saying the mandate freely given to Governor Oborevwori by Deltans in 2023 had been justified through the delivery of projects and programmes under the MORE Agenda.
Aniagwu said the governor would take the MORE Agenda to a higher level as he seeks a fresh mandate, stressing that the administration would campaign on its performance and tangible development across the state.
“The first mandate given to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2023 has been very justified in terms of the promises he made, and the deliverables have been very obvious and visible to our people,” he said.
According to him, the governor’s performance had become a major challenge to the opposition, which, he alleged, had resorted to making claims and allegations that were at variance with realities on the ground.
He said rather than engage in unnecessary political mudslinging, the Oborevwori administration would remain focused on delivering good governance, improving the living conditions of Deltans and fulfilling the promises contained in the MORE Agenda.
Aniagwu said the government occasionally responded to allegations by opposition figures, not because it was distracted, but to ensure that members of the public were not misled by false narratives.
The commissioner pointed to the recent Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba as evidence of growing confidence in the Oborevwori administration.
He noted that the summit attracted investors and other personalities from within and outside Nigeria, including the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who delivered the keynote address, as well as renowned African scholar, Prof Patrick Lumumba.
Aniagwu said the calibre of participants at the summit reflected the credibility of the administration and its determination to create an enabling environment for investment and economic growth.
He expressed confidence that Deltans, having witnessed developments recorded in the state over the past three years, would make their choice based on performance when they return to the polls.
Turning to the allegations made by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Aniagwu dismissed claims that Governor Oborevwori was planning to eliminate him, describing the allegation as baseless and an attempt to create tension and attract public sympathy.
He noted that Omo-Agege was contesting the Delta Central Senatorial seat, while Governor Oborevwori was seeking re-election as governor, stressing that both men were not contesting for the same office.
“Governor Oborevwori is running for the position of Governor of Delta State. Omo-Agege is not his opponent on the same ballot paper. So, nothing brings both of them together in the course of the election,” Aniagwu said.
He argued that even when both politicians contested against each other in the 2023 governorship election, Oborevwori emerged victorious based on what he described as his credibility and acceptance among the people.
According to Aniagwu, that credibility has now been strengthened by the governor’s visible performance in office.
“Why will Governor Oborevwori leave his lane and begin to look for somebody who is not even contesting against him?” he queried.
The commissioner said the entry of Governor Oborevwori into the All Progressives Congress, APC, had brought greater unity and leadership to the party in Delta State, adding that the unity was evident during the party’s primary elections.
Aniagwu further questioned why anyone alleging a threat to his life would resort primarily to public statements instead of formally reporting the matter to the appropriate security agencies.
He maintained that Governor Oborevwori had no interest in harming anybody and remained committed to the safety and security of every resident of the state.
Aniagwu said the administration had strengthened security through sustained support for security agencies, the organisation of security summits and efforts to promote greater cooperation among security formations.
He said such measures had contributed to improved peace and development, particularly in Asaba and Warri.
The commissioner assured that the state government would remain focused on attracting investors, creating an enabling business environment and delivering more development projects across Delta State.
“We will continue to bring development to our people. We will not be distracted by stories that are at variance with realities,” he said.
Aniagwu added that the lives and safety of all Deltans remained a priority to the Oborevwori administration, insisting that the governor would continue to deploy every legitimate means available to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone in the state, including political opponents.
