Comrade Philip Shaibu, the gubernatorial aspirant and Deputy Governor of Edo State, has responded to accusations of betraying Governor Obaseki after serving as his deputy in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Shaibu defended his decision to become the deputy governor in 2016, emphasizing that there were no objections to his appointment at that time.
During an appearance on Arise TV’s flagship program “The Morning Show” on Wednesday, he dismissed claims of his ineligibility to contest the election based on his origin from the same place as Oshiomhole. He labeled this as a tactic employed by the governor and his supporters to divert attention from the actual issues of the upcoming election. Shaibu stressed that the people of Edo State prioritize a candidate who is accessible and action-oriented from the start rather than experimentation. He emphasized his close connection with the people and clarified that his relationship with Oshiomhole’s clan is not the focus; rather, it is his qualifications and offerings. He also noted that the PDP has not previously awarded its ticket to someone from Edo North, yet others from the same region have participated in the race.
Regarding the alleged meeting at Chief Mike Oghiadomhe’s house where an aspirant was endorsed, Shaibu acknowledged his respect for him but clarified that the gathering consisted of mutual friends as Chief Ogiadomhe did not have the authority to convene a PDP meeting. He dismissed the significance of those present, noting that they were individuals who consistently lost elections in recent times, making their meeting irrelevant to his campaign.
Concerning recent actions taken by the governor against him, Shaibu expressed feeling betrayed, having played a significant role in Obaseki’s electoral victories in both elections. He claimed to have contributed politically and financially to the campaigns, providing vehicles and even falling victim to fraud during the electoral process. Consequently, Shaibu estimated that he lost approximately 20% of his political capital in Edo North due to his support for the governor in 2020.
Disputing allegations of betrayal against Comrade Oshiomhole, Shaibu contended that such claims demonstrated a lack of political insight. He asserted that his disagreement with Oshiomhole was part of their agreement to combat godfatherism in Edo State. Shaibu clarified that Oshiomhole did not make him politically but rather supported his appointment as deputy governor. Furthermore, Shaibu asserted that he was instrumental in convincing Oshiomhole to join politics in Edo State, having established the initial structure for his gubernatorial campaign.
Shaibu emphasized that the election should not revolve around Edo Central alone, aiming to transcend ethnic politics and focus on propelling the state’s development. He outlined plans for infrastructural advancement, including investment in rail lines and road improvements to stimulate GDP growth. Additionally, Shaibu pledged to drive agricultural development and create over 300,000 jobs in the sports sector, vowing to revitalize the industrial park for sustained economic progress in Edo.
Addressing the concern of outsiders becoming governor, Shaibu underscored the people’s desire for someone familiar with their needs and experiences. He emphasized that his involvement in the system has equipped him to tackle the challenges facing Edo. Shaibu promised not to appoint Special Advisers younger than himself but assured that his commissioners would be younger, as energy was crucial for effective governance and seamless succession planning.
Shaibu emphatically stated that he would not utilize public funds for private infrastructure projects, emphasizing his commitment to ethical governance. Regarding funding for his campaign following the withdrawal of allocations to his office, Shaibu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and goodwill he has received from the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence that his campaign has gained momentum and that the electorate desires positive change, which he believes he can deliver.
