By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged to conduct a peaceful, decent and issue-based campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising to focus on infrastructure development, economic empowerment, job creation and improved security.
Chairman of the Delta State APC Media and Publicity Committee and Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a media briefing ahead of the party’s campaign flag-off scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at Oleh Township Stadium in Isoko South Local Government Area.
Aniagwu, who was accompanied by other committee members, said Oleh was selected because of its strategic location and accessibility to residents across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He disclosed that the party was expecting a large turnout of members and supporters from the 25 local government areas of Delta State.
According to him, the flag-off would be followed by a state campaign rally in Ozoro, Isoko North, after which the campaign would move to individual local government areas for direct engagement with residents.
He said the APC would not be distracted by political controversies but would concentrate on presenting its achievements and development plans to the electorate.
Aniagwu explained that the campaign would highlight Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda and the proposed MORE Plus programme, which seeks to expand investment in infrastructure, economic empowerment, job creation and private-sector development.
He said the administration was committed to consolidating its road and bridge projects while creating an enabling environment for businesses and industries to thrive.
As part of the government’s investment drive, the commissioner cited the groundbreaking ceremony for Olam Agri’s animal feed mill in Ogwashi-Uku, which took place earlier on Wednesday.
He said the facility, expected to be completed within one year, would support poultry and fish farmers, create a ready market for agricultural produce and generate more than 1,000 direct jobs.
Aniagwu noted that the provision of roads, bridges, security and other critical infrastructure remained essential to attracting investors and sustaining economic growth.
He also defended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, pointing to local government financial autonomy and federal infrastructure investments as developments that could create more opportunities for governments to deliver projects.
However, he acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians and urged citizens to remain patient with the reforms.
Highlighting the Oborevwori administration’s interventions in Isoko Nation, Aniagwu listed the establishment of the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, developments at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, and several road projects.
Among the projects mentioned were the Emevor-Orogun and Olomoro-Igbide roads, the Asaba-Ase-Uzere Bridge and Otekpo Road in Ellu, Isoko North.
He also highlighted the administration’s efforts to address electricity challenges in the area.
The commissioner recalled the governor’s recent visit to Uzere following reports of a gas leak and oil spill, explaining that Oborevwori had directed the Ministry of Health to commence medical outreach services for affected residents and others requiring medical attention.
He further disclosed that the governor had directed the processing of the remaining 15.7 kilometres of the Emevor-Orogun Road, following the completion of more than eight kilometres.
On the party’s electoral prospects, Aniagwu said the APC would depend on persuasion, mobilisation and sustained engagement with voters rather than make unrealistic promises about the number of votes it expected to secure.
He expressed confidence that direct interaction with the electorate and the presentation of the party’s achievements would attract significant support for its candidates.
Aniagwu also reiterated the APC’s commitment to respecting the rights of other political parties to campaign peacefully, stressing that the democratic space and security of Delta State belonged to all residents, irrespective of political affiliation.
He urged journalists to provide balanced and factual coverage of the campaign, assuring them that the party’s media committee would maintain regular engagement with the press throughout the electioneering period.