The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has distanced himself from emerging political alignments in Ughelli South Local Government Area ahead of the 2027–2031 electoral cycle, declaring that he has no interest in any local leadership contest.
Izeze, a former principal officer of the Delta State House of Assembly, made the clarification in a statement issued in the early hours of Sunday, January 11, 2026. He urged political actors and members of the public to “cease and desist” from linking his name to any of the rival groups reportedly jostling for influence within the local government.
“I belong to none of the conflicting groups and I have no dog in the fight,” the commissioner said, stressing that his attention remains firmly on his official duties, community development and civil society engagements, rather than local political rivalries.
Explaining his stance, Izeze said past experiences in grassroots politics—particularly his involvement in a previous chairmanship race—shaped his decision to withdraw from local government power struggles. According to him, those experiences exposed deep-rooted challenges around justice, fairness and equity in the political space of Ughelli South.
He noted that the lessons learned from that period informed his resolve to restrict his political engagement strictly to his ward and community.
The commissioner also dismissed speculation linking him to either of the two political blocs said to be operating in the LGA, insisting that he would not be drawn into conflicts with individuals on either side, many of whom he described as long-standing acquaintances.
Without mentioning names, Izeze criticised what he termed politics driven by personal financial interests, intimidation and manipulation of party structures, warning that such practices undermine democratic development. He further recalled experiences of alleged blackmail and smear campaigns during his earlier political aspirations, which he said reinforced his determination to avoid similar conflicts.
Equally, he rejected claims of affiliation with another pressure group in the local government, stating that he neither enjoyed political support from its leadership nor shared in what he described as transactional politics.
Clarifying his current political priority, Izeze said his sole electoral focus is the success of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Orowhedor Oborevwori, whom he described as the only leader recognised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) constitution in the state.
He added that he is currently coordinating a civil society organisation, The Foostodey, through which empowerment programmes are being implemented in support of the governor’s administration.
Looking ahead, Izeze stated that should amendments to the Electoral Act restore his status as a statutory party delegate, he would exercise his vote strictly according to his conviction, emphasising that his decision would not be influenced by inducement.
He also expressed support for Hon. Rev. Ejiroghene Francis Waive’s re-election to the House of Representatives, citing what he described as Waive’s consistent support and quality representation.
Izeze concluded by calling on residents of Ughelli South to disregard rumours of his alignment with any local political faction, reiterating that he considers himself “a servant-in-perpetuity” rather than a political leader.