The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze, has dismissed claims of an alleged “consensus candidate” arrangement ahead of the 2027 Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) race in Ughelli South, describing the narrative as false and politically motivated.
In a strongly worded Facebook post on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the former two-term lawmaker representing Ughelli South State Constituency rejected insinuations that any political authority, popularly referred to as “Oga”—had endorsed a candidate for the contest.
“If Oga will say, as a member of his State Executive Council, I should be the first to be in the know. Oga has said no such thing,” Izeze stated.
Izeze, who currently serves in the administration of Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, stated unequivocally that no such directive exists, adding that as a member of the State Executive Council, he would have been aware if any consensus arrangement had been approved.
He traced the roots of the controversy to the 2014 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, where he emerged as the consensus candidate for the 2015 general elections.
According to him, the process was endorsed by party leaders and delegates at Otughievwen Stadium, with six out of seven aspirants reportedly stepping down in the interest of unity.
Izeze, however, recalled that one aspirant, Hon. Festus Eseoghene Utuama, rejected the consensus outcome and later challenged his candidacy in court, initiating a legal battle that lasted three years.
The former lawmaker noted that the dispute was eventually resolved in his favour at the Supreme Court in April 2018 through a unanimous judgment.
“This was for three solid years… up to the Supreme Court where I finally got respite in a unanimous judgment,” he added.
He expressed surprise that the same individual is now being presented in some quarters as a “consensus candidate,” particularly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as contradictory and misleading.
“Let no man attempt to hoodwink anyone that he is suddenly a good party man seeking consensus today,” Izeze said.
The commissioner further criticised what he termed “blackmail and propaganda” by unnamed political actors, warning party members and the public against being deceived by claims of imposed candidacy.
While distancing himself from the unfolding political contest, Izeze reiterated that he has no interest in the 2027 DTHA race.
“As is now crystal clear… I am uninterested in whoever emerges as member of the DTHA,” he said, referencing his decision not to resign before the deadline for aspirants.
He urged all aspirants to pursue their ambitions within the bounds of the law and allow a free and fair process to determine the eventual candidate.
“Let all aspirants be courageous to pursue their dreams within the confines of the law and let the best man of the people win,” he stated.
Quoting legal authority to reinforce his position, Izeze added: “You cannot force an employee on an unwilling employer.”
