ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has described the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) ward and local government congresses in the state as largely peaceful and orderly, dismissing reports of crisis as exaggerated and inconsistent with events on the ground.
Aniagwu made the clarification during an appearance on “Politics Tonight” on TVC, where he insisted that the congresses were conducted in strict compliance with party guidelines and in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on inclusiveness within party structures nationwide.
He recalled that at the APC National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on December 19, the President stressed the need for unity and the integration of all members across the country.
According to Aniagwu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori adopted that position at the state level by convening a stakeholders’ meeting at Government House, Asaba, alongside the state party chairman, where leaders were urged to ensure seamless integration of both longstanding and new members.
“The Governor made it clear that everybody must be carried along, those who were in the party before and those of us who joined later. That directive was taken back to the 25 local government areas for consultations at ward and council levels,” Aniagwu said.
He explained that consensus arrangements emerged in most areas following extensive consultations, noting that while political contests often generate individual interests and disagreements, the overall conduct of the congresses in Delta remained peaceful.
“In politics, you will always have individuals pursuing personal interests. But largely, the congresses in Delta were peaceful. If anyone is alleging crisis, they should provide specifics,” he stated.
Responding to allegations of threats and intimidation at one of the venues, including claims of an assassination attempt on a female party member, Aniagwu described the narrative as inconsistent with available facts.
He said the individual reportedly arrived at the venue in an armored vehicle with armed security escorts and did not alight from the vehicle.
“How do unarmed youths at the venue pose a threat to someone inside an armored vehicle with armed security escorts? There was no gunshot, no arrest made, and she did not even come down from the vehicle. So at what point did assassination come into the picture?” he queried.
The commissioner further explained that the congresses followed established procedures, including the purchase of nomination forms, screening of aspirants, formal notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the use of officially designated venues.
He criticised what he termed “parallel congresses,” arguing that any gathering held outside approved venues or without adherence to party processes could not be accorded legitimacy.
“If someone goes to his house and declares himself chairman without following party procedures, how do you call that a parallel arrangement?” he asked.
On the question of leadership within the party in Delta, Aniagwu maintained that the APC remains united under Governor Oborevwori, adding that former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, had publicly acknowledged the governor as leader of the party in the state.
He also cautioned against drawing former Governor James Ibori into APC internal matters, stressing that he is not a member of the party.
“The governor is the leader of the APC in Delta. He is a consensus builder and a grassroots politician. He has also continued to deliver development across the 25 local government areas,” Aniagwu said.
According to him, despite heightened political activities, Governor Oborevwori has remained focused on governance, continuing to inspect, commission and inaugurate projects across the state.
“Oborevwori is very much in charge both in governance and in the political space of Delta. All is well with the APC in Delta,” he added.
Aniagwu concluded that while politics naturally involves differing interests, the overriding objective of the party in Delta remains strengthening internal unity, supporting President Tinubu’s administration and sustaining development across the state.
