By Divine Perezide

When a political institution that ought to function based on verified information begins to act on hearsay and speculation, it signals that something is fundamentally wrong with its core principles.

This appears to be the case with the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party recently, through its State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Valentine Onojeghuo, issued a statement reacting to unconfirmed reports that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is considering a defection to the APC. Remarkably, Onojeghuo himself admitted these were “speculations,” which raises questions about the rationale behind the APC’s reaction.

One would expect a legal professional like Onojeghuo to rely on facts before making public declarations. However, it seems that the Delta APC is suffering from what can be described as chronic political “incontinence” — a term that, in layman’s language, refers to losing control and reacting impulsively, often under stress or fear.

The APC’s condition appears to stem from the psychological toll of their loss in the 2023 Delta State governorship election. Their candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, faced a decisive defeat against Governor Oborevwori. Since then, the party has been trapped in a cycle of denial, filing numerous court cases to overturn the election results — all of which they lost.

Their current state of anxiety and despair is understandable as Governor Oborevwori’s inclusive leadership and visible development projects across Delta State have significantly boosted his popularity. Deltans have taken note of the progress on critical infrastructure projects, including the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, the Warri-Effurun flyover bridges, and stormwater drainage systems. These projects, executed by top-tier contractors like Julius Berger, have surprised many who had felt neglected.

In Ndokwa East, residents are celebrating the completion of the Beneku Bridge and other road projects. Similarly, communities in Ijaw land, Oshimili/Aniocha, and Ughelli have seen significant road and bridge developments, transforming their landscapes.

Governor Oborevwori’s administration has not limited its achievements to infrastructure. The healthcare sector is being revitalized, with upgrades to 260 Primary Health Centres and 64 General Hospitals. Social investment programmes, such as D-CARES, have expanded to benefit over 250,000 people, and initiatives like MORE Grant and MORE Biz-Up have empowered small businesses.

The governor’s focus on public welfare is evident in the prompt payment of pensions and regular bursary disbursements. Such actions have earned him accolades from various quarters, including President Bola Tinubu, who described Oborevwori as a “Pan-Deltan” and a “detribalised leader” with the potential to contribute significantly to national unity.

These commendations and achievements have left the Delta APC scrambling for relevance. Their anxiety is understandable as they witness Oborevwori’s rising profile on the national stage. The governor’s leadership recently earned Delta State the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Award for Primary Healthcare Development, awarded by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health.

By contrast, the APC’s governorship candidate in the last election, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, is remembered for his controversial involvement in the infamous mace-snatching incident at the National Assembly. Such a reputation does not align with President Tinubu’s vision for credible leadership, making it unlikely that the APC would gain traction with a similar approach in 2027.

The Delta APC’s failure to grasp why Governor Oborevwori has extended support to President Tinubu’s administration further highlights their disconnect. The governor’s collaboration with the federal government is driven by a recognition that national success positively impacts all states, including Delta.

Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to the prosperity of Delta State, coupled with his administration’s developmental strides, aligns with the core principles of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which prioritizes good governance and national growth.

The Delta APC’s ongoing attempts at propaganda and misinformation are unlikely to succeed. Their condition, as aptly described, reflects political incontinence — an inability to control their reactions due to fear of the governor’s growing popularity. However, as Dr. Osuoza concludes, these efforts are doomed to fail: “E no go work.”