2027: Aniagwu Says Oborevwori’s Projects, Not Opposition Attacks, Will Define Campaign

By PAULINA NZERUBE

Oborevwori to Campaign on Record

DELTA State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, says Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s campaign for the 2027 governorship election will focus on the administration’s record of performance rather than propaganda or political mudslinging.

Aniagwu made the position known in separate media appearances while discussing the administration’s achievements, criticisms from political opponents, security concerns and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

He said the government’s projects and programmes across infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, empowerment and economic management would constitute its “report card” before Deltans.

According to him, the administration would allow its record to speak for itself instead of engaging opponents in political exchanges.

MORE Agenda as Report Card

Aniagwu said the administration’s performance should be assessed against Governor Oborevwori’s four-point M.O.R.E. Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

He listed road construction and rehabilitation among the major areas of intervention, saying projects were being implemented across urban, rural, riverine and agrarian communities.

The commissioner maintained that the administration’s infrastructure programme was not restricted to politically influential areas.

He cited road and bridge projects intended to improve connectivity for communities that had previously faced difficulties because of poor infrastructure.

He also pointed to interventions in education, saying the government had directed relevant ministries to identify schools requiring urgent attention.

According to him, investments in schools would improve teaching and learning while also stimulating local economic activity through the engagement of contractors and service providers.

Healthcare, Empowerment & Workers’ Welfare

Aniagwu also highlighted healthcare interventions, stressing that the government was looking beyond the construction and renovation of hospital buildings.

He said attention was also being given to medical equipment and personnel needed to make healthcare facilities functional.

On empowerment, the commissioner cited grassroots programmes and interventions involving local councillors, saying the objective was to translate government policies into tangible benefits for residents.

He also referred to workers’ welfare and measures intended to strengthen purchasing power, arguing that improved government finances should produce visible benefits for citizens.

Aniagwu further cited Delta’s higher education system, noting that the state has four government-owned universities as well as other tertiary institutions.

Revenue & Debt Management

The commissioner also defended the administration’s handling of the state’s finances.

He said Delta’s internally generated revenue had increased substantially since Oborevwori assumed office, with the 2026 budget projecting ₦250 billion in IGR.

Aniagwu also said the state had continued its debt repayment programme while maintaining investments in infrastructure and social interventions.

He argued that criticisms of the administration’s financial management should be tested against the government’s revenue, debt and development records.

The commissioner also linked the state’s improved fiscal position partly to reforms by the Federal Government, saying President Bola Tinubu’s policies had contributed to improved revenue flows and greater fiscal stability for states.

Political Tension & the Effurun Clash

Aniagwu’s comments came as political activities intensify in Delta ahead of the 2027 elections.

The state government recently directed security agencies to investigate a confrontation involving suspected supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress during an NDC mobilisation march in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

The government said political rivalry must not degenerate into violence, intimidation or thuggery.

Aniagwu reiterated that position, saying every political party and candidate should be allowed to campaign freely, provided activities remain peaceful and within the law.

He said the government would not tolerate violence regardless of the political affiliation of those involved.

Omo-Agege Allegations

The commissioner also addressed allegations by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, concerning an alleged threat to his life.

Aniagwu said anyone facing a credible security threat should present evidence to the appropriate security agencies for investigation.

He rejected suggestions that Governor Oborevwori was behind any threat against Omo-Agege, maintaining that the government had no interest in political violence.

The allegations have formed part of the increasingly charged political atmosphere surrounding the 2027 elections in Delta. Omo-Agege has separately alleged threats and attacks linked to his political activities, while the state government has denied involvement.

Tinubu & the 2027 Political Objective

Aniagwu also said the Oborevwori administration would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid under the APC.

However, he distinguished that political objective from the government’s responsibility to continue delivering development to Deltans.

He maintained that political competition should not distract the administration from implementing its programmes or threaten the peace required for development.

A Campaign Built Around Evidence

Aniagwu said the administration’s message ahead of 2027 would ultimately be based on what it says it has delivered.

“Our campaign is going to be evidence-based. We will be showcasing what we have done, what constitutes our report card,” he said.

The position echoes an earlier statement by the commissioner that Oborevwori would seek a fresh mandate by presenting projects and achievements delivered under the MORE Agenda.

With political activity already intensifying, Aniagwu said the government would continue to focus on development while leaving Deltans to assess its record.