The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has publicly distanced himself from emerging political tussles in Ughelli South Local Government Area as political activities gradually build up ahead of the 2027–2031 electoral cycle.
In a strongly worded statement issued in the early hours of Sunday, January 11, 2026, the former principal officer of the Delta State House of Assembly declared that he has no interest in contesting or influencing local leadership positions in the area, urging political actors and the public to stop linking his name to any of the rival factions jostling for control within the local government.
“I belong to none of the conflicting groups and I have no dog in the fight,” Izeze said, stressing that his attention remains firmly on his official responsibilities, community development and civil society engagement, rather than grassroots political rivalries.
Izeze explained that his decision to disengage from local government politics was shaped by past experiences, particularly his involvement in a previous chairmanship race in Ughelli South, which he said exposed deep-rooted challenges in the local political environment.
According to him, those experiences offered hard lessons about assumptions, justice, fairness and equity in grassroots politics, leading to a conscious decision to restrict his political involvement strictly to his ward and immediate community.
The commissioner dismissed speculations linking him to either of the two political blocs reportedly operating in Ughelli South, noting that he has no intention of engaging in political battles with individuals on either side, many of whom he acknowledged as long-standing personal associates.
Without naming individuals, Izeze accused some political actors in the area of practising politics driven by personal financial interests, intimidation and manipulation of party structures—practices he described as detrimental to democratic growth and stability at the grassroots.
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He also recounted past encounters in which he claimed to have been subjected to blackmail and smear campaigns during his earlier political pursuits, experiences he said further strengthened his resolve to stay away from local political conflicts.
On the other side of the divide, Izeze equally rejected any association with another pressure group in the local government, stating that he neither enjoyed political support from its leadership nor shared its approach, which he described as transactional politics.
Clarifying his current political priorities, the commissioner said his only electoral focus is the success of Governor Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Orowhedor Oborevwori, whom he described as the sole leader recognised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) constitution in Delta State.
He also declared support for Hon. Rev. Ejiroghene Francis Waive for the House of Representatives, citing Waive’s consistent support and what he described as quality representation.