Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, has dismissed allegations by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Delta Central, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was plotting to eliminate him.

Aniagwu described the allegation as an attempt to manufacture controversy, create tension and attract media attention at the beginning of Omo-Agege’s 2027 senatorial campaign.

The commissioner stated this on Sunday at a press conference in Asaba, where he argued that there was no basis for a confrontation between Oborevwori and Omo-Agege, noting that the two politicians are contesting different positions in the 2027 election.

According to him, while Omo-Agege is seeking election to represent Delta Central Senatorial District, Oborevwori is seeking re-election as governor of Delta State and will therefore not be on the same ballot with him.

“Oborevwori is not running for the Delta Central Senatorial election. He is running for the position of Governor of Delta State. So, they are not on the same ballot. He is neither a competitor nor a contestant in Omo-Agege’s senatorial election,” Aniagwu said.

He questioned why Omo-Agege would begin his campaign by alleging that someone was planning to eliminate him, describing the claim as an attempt to generate sympathy and divert attention from his campaign message.

“How do you, on the first day of starting your campaign, begin to look for where to create tension and elicit sympathy by saying that somebody wants to eliminate you? Eliminate you for what?” he asked.

Aniagwu recalled that Oborevwori and Omo-Agege contested the 2023 governorship election, noting that Oborevwori emerged victorious through what he described as a fair contest.

He said the governor had since moved beyond the political contest of 2023, arguing that the achievements of his administration under the MORE Agenda had demonstrated his capacity to govern the state.

“Now that his credibility has manifested in his performance and it has become visible that Sheriff can work, why would he leave his lane and begin to look for you, particularly when you are not on the same ballot?” Aniagwu queried.

The commissioner further alleged that Omo-Agege’s claim was designed to divert attention from the achievements of the Oborevwori administration and secure publicity for his senatorial campaign.

He said the state government had enough achievements to communicate to the public and would not be distracted by what he described as allegations that were inconsistent with reality.

“We have a lot of positive things that we are going to continue to unfold. On a daily basis, Oborevwori has something to show. We do not even have enough time to showcase all that we are doing,” he said.

Aniagwu urged Omo-Agege to focus on his campaign and explain to voters what he intends to do for the people of Delta Central if elected, instead of making allegations against the governor.

“Our stories are already told in our villages. Those stories are very clear, evident of what the governor promised and what we have delivered,” he said.

The commissioner also defended Oborevwori’s political leadership, particularly his role in uniting stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.

According to Aniagwu, the party had been divided before Oborevwori’s emergence, but the governor’s leadership had brought previously opposing tendencies together.

“I am sure all of you know that the APC under him was very much polarised. But the entry of Governor Oborevwori has unified the party to the extent that, apart from him, every other person has come to the same page because the governor has provided leadership,” he said.

He cited the conduct of the party’s recent primary elections as evidence of the level of unity achieved, saying stakeholders were able to speak with one voice and work towards a common direction.

Aniagwu, however, maintained that the Oborevwori administration would remain focused on implementing its MORE Agenda rather than engaging political opponents in unnecessary exchanges.

“We will not be distracted by stories that have variance with reality, particularly coming from somebody who is not even of the same political contest with the governor,” he said.

On the allegation of a threat to Omo-Agege’s life, the commissioner said the safety and welfare of every Deltan remained a priority for the state government, including that of the former deputy president of the Senate.

“Our desire to bring investment, having been able to create a conducive living environment, is a priority. No kind of side comments will make us lose sight of that. The lives of our people matter, including his own, and Oborevwori will do everything within his power as governor to ensure that everybody lives in safety,” Aniagwu said.

He advised Omo-Agege to concentrate on his senatorial campaign, articulate his agenda for Delta Central and allow voters to assess the competing programmes ahead of the 2027 election.

“Let us advise our brother to stay with his campaign and stop looking for stories that do not add up,” he said.

Aniagwu expressed confidence that Deltans would judge the Oborevwori administration based on its record of performance when they go to the polls in 2027.

“Deltans have seen the developments that have greeted our state in the last three years, and I am very convinced that Deltans, being people who look out for what is good, will definitely be looking in the direction of Governor Oborevwori as they approach the ballot box in February 2027,” he said.