Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze, has cautioned politicians against using the popular “Oga Say” narrative to intimidate aspirants ahead of the 2027 political contests in Delta State.
In a Facebook post shared early Monday, May 11, 2026, the former two-term member of the Delta State House of Assembly stated that politics rewards courage, capacity, and grassroots support rather than blind dependence on perceived endorsements from political godfathers.
Using historical political anecdotes dating back to 2006, Izeze argued that some of Delta State’s most influential politicians rose to prominence because they resisted political intimidation and refused to surrender their ambitions to the “Oga Say” culture.
“Primaries, consensus, elections and politics generally are the business of bold, daring, serious and audacious participants only. It is not for lily-livered chickens,” he wrote.
The commissioner recalled how a minority party candidate in Delta Central defied the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2007 elections and eventually secured victory despite alleged attempts to suppress opposition.
According to him, the politician later earned the respect of the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan because he demonstrated the courage to stand against entrenched political interests.
Izeze also narrated the story of another aspirant whom unnamed political actors allegedly attempted to edge out by spreading claims that “Oga” had directed that an incumbent lawmaker be returned unopposed.
Rather than back down, he said the aspirant mobilised supporters to the residence of former Governor James Ibori in Oghara during a major political meeting, forcing leaders to recognise his political strength.
“That singular act became the beginning of that aspirant’s arithmetic progression in the political statistics of today’s Nigeria,” Izeze stated.
The former lawmaker criticised what he described as “cash-and-carry politicians” and “Asaba blackmailers” allegedly circulating lists of preferred candidates ahead of party primaries.
“If you like, allow some few people to use ‘Oga Say’ and one useless list wey some Asaba blackmailers dey parambulate with. Abi you see Oga signature for any list?” he queried.
He insisted that no aspirant should purchase nomination forms only to become intimidated by rumours of endorsement politics.
“If you nor get liver, you for nor buy form,” he declared.
Although Izeze did not mention any specific constituency or aspirant in the latest post, political observers believe his comments are connected to ongoing permutations ahead of the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly elections, especially within Delta Central.
The commissioner has, in recent weeks, repeatedly distanced Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from alleged endorsement plots, while urging aspirants to test their popularity through open political competition.
