Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has attributed the mass defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the persistent internal crises within the PDP’s National Working Committee.
Speaking on Day Break on Arise TV on Tuesday, Aniagwu lamented that unresolved leadership tussles, lack of cohesion, and a plethora of litigations within the PDP significantly contributed to the migration of Deltans to the ruling APC.
He stressed that the PDP, as currently constituted, can no longer meet the aspirations of the people of Delta State due to the ongoing turmoil within the party.
“Politics is about contesting elections, winning, and then governing the people. If you’re in a situation where it’s difficult to achieve those goals and continue the developmental trajectory, then it’s important to make a decision,” Aniagwu stated.
“Secondly, even while we were still in the PDP, the president showed us genuine, organic love. So, moving toward such a person isn’t a difficult choice.
“We understand the concerns and sentiments across the country, but we’ve explained our reasons to our people, and that is what makes democracy robust.”
The commissioner emphasised that the movement to the APC was not a defection but a deliberate, strategic transition.
“There was a wide range of consultations before this move. As the governor clearly stated, it’s a movement, not a defection.
“All segments of our former party, the PDP in Delta, which held sway for 26 years, have now migrated to the APC, all in the interest of sustaining and deepening development in our dear state.
“It’s often said that one thing that is constant in life is change. But I have come to realize that something even more constant is decision, because change itself is a product of decision. Every rational person makes decisions to reach a goal and fulfill a purpose.”
Aniagwu highlighted the progress made under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership over the past two years, noting significant developmental strides across the state.
“No one is disputing the progress we have made. But we realized that to continue on this path, we needed to connect with the center, a center that has shown us considerable goodwill, especially since the political vehicle we were in developed serious faults.”
He expressed frustration with the PDP’s leadership, adding that “at the National Working Committee level, it became impossible to understand what the party leaders were doing, who they were working for, or even their direction.
“This lack of clarity made it necessary for us to act, so we can continue delivering on our promises to the people.”
Aniagwu pointed out that the PDP’s internal issues had been widely reported, particularly the repeated postponement of National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.
“These postponements were like flat tires at crucial junctions. We hoped these issues could be resolved and even participated in finding solutions, but it eventually became clear the crisis was intractable.
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“As an administration, we are in government to improve the welfare of our people and fulfill the mandate of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people. Are we doing that in Delta? To the best of my knowledge—yes. No one is contesting Governor Oborevwori’s performance.”
Aniagwu reiterated the need to align with a supportive federal government. “To deepen our impact, we felt it necessary to connect with a central government that has been consistently supportive. That goodwill should not be sacrificed on the altar of sentiment.”
While affirming the importance of political opposition in a democracy, Aniagwu expressed hope that the PDP would eventually resolve its internal problems.
“We do not wish for the PDP to die now or ever. A viable opposition is essential for any democracy. But people must make decisions that help them realize their goals.”
He dismissed the notion that Nigeria is becoming a one-party state. “Over time, individuals will continue to make decisions in pursuit of their objectives.
“We have decided to enhance development in our state, and we are confident that, in consultation with our people, this movement will deepen progress in Delta,” the commissioner stated.
