Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has stated that he will not support his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, in his bid to succeed him as governor. Obaseki emphasized that it is not the right time for intense politicking, as it would be a distraction from their current governance responsibilities.
According to Crusoe Osagie, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, no amount of blackmail will sway Obaseki’s decision not to back Shaibu’s governorship aspiration at this moment. The governor firmly believes that prioritizing intense politics over governance would not be in the best interest of the people of Edo State.
Osagie criticized Shaibu for his indiscipline and hubris, describing him as a rabble-rouser who tried to create a crisis. He stated that Shaibu presents himself as a loyal deputy, but Obaseki’s experience with him has shown otherwise.
The strained relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu arose due to the deputy governor’s decision to contest the next year’s election, which has caused tensions between the two. Shaibu has sought protection from victimization by approaching the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, led by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, is working behind the scenes to resolve the conflict between Obaseki and Shaibu and ensure peace in the party.
On the other hand, the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, Victor Osehobo, criticized Obaseki’s aspirations to become a godfather, asserting that his lack of patience to learn from his political leaders would lead to failure. Osehobo argued that Obaseki cannot seek to become a godfather while opposing the concept in the past and failing to fulfill the responsibilities associated with the role.
In conclusion, the situation between Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu remains tense, and both parties are facing challenges and criticisms from within their respective parties.