In a surprising turn of events, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has given his deputy, Philip Shaibu, the green light to contest for the state’s governorship in 2024. Obaseki emphasized Shaibu’s constitutional right to vie for the position, stating unequivocally that nobody has the authority to discourage him. The announcement comes amidst political friction between the governor and his deputy.
Governor Obaseki made this declaration during a press briefing on Thursday, November 30, 2023, following a closed-door meeting with the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed. Despite the ongoing tensions between them, Obaseki emphasized Shaibu’s right to pursue his political ambitions.
Earlier in the week, Deputy Governor Shaibu had declared his intention to contest for the governorship in Edo State, revealing that a political crisis with Obaseki arose when he congratulated former Governor Adams Oshiomhole on his 2023 senatorial election victory. Shaibu made this revelation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
Governor Obaseki, addressing the reason for his visit to Bauchi, highlighted discussions centered around the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and broader party-related matters. He expressed concerns about the current state of the country and pledged ongoing efforts to support the administration in alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.
Regarding his relationship with Deputy Governor Shaibu, Obaseki affirmed its cordial nature. He stated, “He (Philip) wants to run for the office I currently occupy, and he is free to. I think as a Nigerian, he has the constitutional right to run; nobody can or should stop him. The party will decide, and also members of the party will decide who will be the flag bearer of the party in the forthcoming governorship election.”
When questioned about supporting Shaibu’s campaign, Obaseki asserted that his individual vote would not be sufficient to secure Shaibu’s position as the next governor of the state.
The dynamics within the Edo State political landscape take an intriguing turn as Obaseki’s endorsement of Shaibu’s gubernatorial aspirations introduces a new dimension to their relationship. The upcoming governorship election promises to be closely watched, with the party and its members playing a pivotal role in determining the candidate who will carry their flag.
