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 Delta State as largely peaceful and well-coordinated, dismissing claims of crisis as exaggerated and inconsistent with reality.
Aniagwu spoke during an interview on “Politics Tonight” on TVC, where he maintained that the congresses were conducted in line with party guidelines and the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that all party members should be carried along.
He recalled that during the APC National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on December 19, the President emphasized inclusiveness and unity within party structures nationwide.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori took a cue from that directive and convened a stakeholders’ meeting at Government House, Asaba, alongside the State Party Chairman, where leaders were urged to ensure proper integration of old and new members of the party.
“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 were adopted in most areas after extensive consultations, adding that while political interests may sometimes generate disagreements, the overall process in Delta was 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.
Addressing allegations of threats and intimidation at one of the venues, Aniagwu dismissed claims of an assassination attempt on a female party member, describing the narrative as inconsistent with available facts.
He noted that the individual in question arrived at the venue in an armored vehicle accompanied by armed security personnel and did not step out of 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.
Aniagwu further clarified that the congress followed established party procedures, including purchase of forms, screening of aspirants, notification of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and designation of approved venues.
He criticized what he described as “parallel congresses,” noting that any gathering held outside approved venues or without adherence to party processes could not be recognized.
“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 internal party dynamics, Aniagwu insisted that the APC in Delta remains united under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.
He noted that former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, had publicly acknowledged the governor as leader of the party in the state.
He also urged that former Governor James Ibori should not be dragged 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 ongoing political activities, Governor Oborevwori has not taken his focus off governance, as he continues 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 collective goal of the party in Delta remains strengthening unity, supporting President Tinubu, and ensuring continued development in the state.