Obaseki vs Shaibu: We’ll soon know who controls Edo PDP structure – Deputy Gov

Edo Deputy Governor, Philips Shuaibu, has said Governor Godwin Obaseki would support his ambition to succeed him. He also said the speculated support of the governor for another aspirant, Asue Ighodalo, is not an issue to him even as he said he is bringing on board both public and private sector experience while Ighodalo only […]

Edo Deputy Governor, Philips Shuaibu, has said Governor Godwin Obaseki would support his ambition to succeed him.

He also said the speculated support of the governor for another aspirant, Asue Ighodalo, is not an issue to him even as he said he is bringing on board both public and private sector experience while Ighodalo only has private sector experience.

Daily Trust reports that Edo has already kicked off early electioneering ahead of the September 2024 election.

The relationship between Obaseki and his Deputy, which has gone sour, got worsened largely by the ambition of Shaibu to succeed his boss.

Despite the opposition to his ambition, the Deputy Governor has gone ahead pursuing his ambition and agitating to clinch the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV Politics, Shaibu said he was confident of clinching the PDP ticket.

He added that the governor who has vowed to support any candidate that emerges from the primary would support him.

He also said contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the structure of the PDP does not rest with the Governor.

According to him, it is not an issue for him if the governor is backing Asue.

He said, “It is the PDP that owns the structure of PDP in Edo State, not the governor. It is after the 3rd of February when we are going to elect the delegates that we will know who owns the structure.

“I know I am going to win the primary. Since he has made that pronouncement that whoever wins, he would support him. I am sure he will not change his mind.”

He said he is “bringing value to governance,” adding, “I will be able to administratively govern for the betterment of the people.”

“PDP is trusting me with the ticket and I can assure you I am going to win. What I am bringing to the table is experience. Edo State cannot afford to have another experiment. From the podium I would be inaugurated, I will announce my Secretary to the State Government and I will swear him on that podium. And in that speech I am going to name my commissioners and their portfolios. Right at that podium, the SSG will write the letter and send it to the state House of Assembly for confirmation of the nominees,” he added.

He said he has supported the governor to improve the economy of the state in the last eight years but added that there are gaps which he plans to fill.

“The governor is my boss and senior brother. He is the governor, I am the Deputy and we are working together. Asue and I are close to the governor. I won’t deny him. Why I am contesting is because I have seen the gaps from 2016 to where we are today. People can trust me. My support is organic, not procured…I have been running this campaign based on organic support from my people.”