Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has made serious allegations against his deputy, Philip Shaibu, accusing him of disloyalty and plotting to carry out a coup to seize control of the state.
Obaseki asserted that Shaibu is actively aiming to take over the state’s administration in advance of the Edo governorship election slated for 2024.
Obaseki revealed, “[Shaibu] went to Abuja and openly boasted about his influential connections there, including ties within the national assembly and the president’s circle. He claimed they would support him if he couldn’t secure the PDP ticket, suggesting he had alternate plans.”
Obaseki continued by sharing a troubling incident: “During the assembly elections, specifically for the speaker of the house, he was in Abuja that day. I, as the chief security officer of the state, have access to crucial information. However, I have a responsibility to use that information judiciously. On that occasion, my deputy called the leader in the APC and indicated that he had five members aligned with him, and he intended to collaborate with these five PDP members to influence the election in favor of his chosen candidate for speaker.”
The governor expressed his dismay at this development, stating, “This act didn’t serve our collective interests. Why would the deputy governor undermine my choice of speakership candidate? It became evident to me that a problem existed between us, and his desperation to gain control had grown to the point where he would contemplate even a coup against his own governor.”
Obaseki further questioned Shaibu’s loyalty, saying, “How can one claim to be loyal while planning such actions?”
In response, Shaibu accused Governor Obaseki of obstructing his constitutional duties. In turn, Obaseki denied any intent to impeach his deputy while suggesting that Shaibu might defect to the APC, the ruling party.
