BREAKING: Shaibu Dares Obaseki, Publicly Reveals Plan To Become Next Governor
After months of controversy and heightened tension, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, took a decisive step on Monday by officially announcing his candidacy for the 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.
In a pre-recorded speech broadcast today, Shaibu, who has served as the deputy governor since 2016, declared his intention to contest the state’s top position on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Following the formal declaration, Shaibu inaugurated his campaign office in Benin City, the state capital.
The 53-year-old politician emphasized his commitment to the state’s development and prosperity, expressing determination to restore greatness to the South-South region.
Despite facing political discord with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, regarding his political aspirations, Shaibu asserted that, though persecuted, he remains unbroken.
Hailing from the Edo North Senatorial District, the same district as former governor Adams Oshiomhole, Shaibu’s political journey has been intertwined with Obaseki’s. Both were erstwhile allies of Oshiomhole, but their association crumbled in the lead-up to the 2020 governorship election. The ex-labor leader faced accusations of ‘godfatherism,’ which he vehemently denied.
Obaseki and Shaibu successfully navigated their re-election, triumphing over Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was supported by Oshiomhole and other influential APC figures, including former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu.
