Just In : Shaibu Speaks On Who Can Stop His Ambition To Become Edo Governor
Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has officially announced his intention to run for the 2024 governorship election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Emphatically stating that no one can hinder his ambition, Shaibu made the declaration at the Bishop Kelly Centre in Benin.
Describing himself as a native who understands the people’s struggles, he called on the electorate and party members to support his gubernatorial bid.
Citing his three decades in politics and seven years of collaborative efforts with Governor Godwin Obaseki, Shaibu asserted that he is well-positioned to succeed his mentor.
“Nobody can stop my ambition,” he declared.
The deputy governor pledged to provide effective governance if elected as the governor of the state in 2024.
Making this commitment during a live broadcast on Monday while formally declaring his intention to participate in the Edo governorship race, he emphasized his dedication to delivering tangible results.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had previously set September 21 as the date for the election.
“I just want to appreciate all of you. We have started the journey and I decided together with all of us that after the consultation, we needed to make the answer to our consultation known to Edo people and the answer is clear.
“They (Edo people) have asked me to go and run and they said I am the one they see not just as a street boy but original own boy that can live there.
“I can assure you that by the grace of God, we will deliver practical governance,” he said.
The gubernatorial hopeful highlighted his accomplishments during his tenure as a member of the House of Assembly and later as a federal lawmaker at the House of Representatives.
Promising to enhance the agricultural sector, he pledged to build on Governor Obaseki’s ongoing projects across the state and assured swift action once in office.
Originally scheduled to declare his candidacy at Eterno Hotel, the venue faced a takeover by associates of the state governor, who had organized an event at the same location.
The deputy governor’s official announcement was anticipated on Monday, as communicated in a letter from the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation dated November 23 and signed by Shaibu himself.
The letter which was titled ‘Special Invitation,’ read, “On behalf of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, I invite you to honour me with your esteemed presence as I offer myself to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State.”
Shaibu’s gubernatorial aspirations have led to tensions with his superior, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is reportedly opposed to his deputy succeeding him.
The discord escalated to the point where Shaibu sought legal intervention from an Abuja High Court to prevent Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him. Eventually, he withdrew the case following interventions from concerned individuals.
Despite this, Shaibu continues to face isolation and presently operates his office outside the Government House in the GRA in Benin, the state capital. He has been engaging with politicians and the media regarding his intentions.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja last Saturday, Shaibu said he wanted to succeed Obaseki because, “Edo people are in dire need of practical governance and we cannot afford to experiment again with someone who does not understand the politics and needs of Edo State.”
He added, “Everywhere, including the international scene, people are clamouring that governments should not be pushing projects that are not needed. So, we need to do needs assessment. You cannot know the needs of the people when you don’t live with them.
“For me, competence and experience should be the watchword. Who is competent, more experienced and who will hit the ground running from day one if he becomes governor?
“Are we going to experiment with a new person again and the person will spend the first four years learning on the job and the next four years trying to embezzle and set up businesses in the name of consolidating on his first term?”
