Asaba: Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the Delta Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, recently announced that the Delta government’s transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is centered on the pursuit of good governance rather than political maneuvering. He shared these insights in Asaba, addressing the press regarding the political shift that resulted in the state structures of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) moving to the ruling APC.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aniagwu highlighted that the political realignment involved significant figures from Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, including lawmakers and political appointees, defecting from the PDP to the APC. He characterized this transition as a strategic decision aimed at benefiting governance and development in the state of Delta.
Aniagwu emphasized that the decision to defect was unprecedented but was made after extensive consultations and consensus among stakeholders across the state. “We have examined a whole lot of issues around the need for us to take the decision that we took. We are quite convinced that the decision is in the best interest of the development of our state,” Aniagwu stated.
Addressing assumptions that the defection stemmed from weakness, Aniagwu insisted that the PDP remained strong in Delta at the time of the decision. However, he pointed to the ‘intractable challenges’ at the PDP national level as part of the impetus for the shift. He likened the situation to a medical scenario where a blood transfusion is necessary to sustain life, asserting that while the PDP had been a longstanding political identity, the change was vital for maintaining effective governance in the state.
In response to criticism from some APC members regarding the influx of former PDP members, Aniagwu referenced the party’s 2014 merger history as a call for internal unity. “We are not here to take over the APC but to strengthen it. The party becomes stronger when new forces align with existing structures. We acknowledge that some persons may feel displaced, but it is all part of the political evolution,” he explained.
Aniagwu noted that APC stalwarts, including former governorship candidate O’tega Emerhor, support the governor’s decision and back the movement. He reassured the state’s residents that governance remains a priority, citing Gov. Oborevwori’s recent project inspections across all senatorial districts as evidence of ongoing development efforts.
Ultimately, Aniagwu stressed that politics serves as a vehicle for achieving practical outcomes. “In the end, politics is only a vehicle. What truly matters is what we do with power when we have it. And for us, it is about delivering infrastructure, empowering our people, and linking up with the Federal Government to attract greater benefits for our state,” he conveyed.
Aniagwu called for inclusiveness and reconciliation among party members to facilitate a smooth integration process. He reiterated that thorough consultations preceded the move, and efforts to engage with the grassroots and APC loyalists are ongoing to ensure a seamless transition. “We’re currently in the stirring phase. The milk has been poured into the cup, but it must be stirred so every part tastes right. That’s what we’re doing, achieving a smooth blend,” he concluded.