The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has announced his intention to run in the upcoming 2024 governorship election under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, asserting that no one can deter his ambition.
The deputy governor, in his announcement at the Bishop Kelly Centre in Benin, emphasized his local roots and empathetic connection to the people’s concerns. He urged both the electorate and party members to support his ambition.
He said having been in politics for 30 years and working with Governor Godwin Obaseki in the last seven years to improve the state, he was in the best position to succeed his principal.
“Nobody can stop my ambition,” he declared.
The deputy governor pledged to provide tangible governance upon being elected as the governor of the state in 2024.
He made this commitment during a live broadcast on Monday when officially declaring his candidacy for the Edo governorship race.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had previously set September 21 as the election date.
“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 the 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 before progressing to become a federal lawmaker in the House of Representatives.
Shaibu, pledging to enhance the agricultural sector, expressed his commitment to building upon Obaseki’s initiatives in project implementation across the state, vowing to commence his duties promptly.
Scheduled to make his declaration at the Eterno Hotel, Shaibu faced an obstacle as some associates of the state governor had already occupied the venue for their event.
The deputy governor’s intention to announce his candidacy on Monday was communicated in a letter issued by the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, dated November 23, and signed by the deputy governor.
The letter which was titled ‘Special Invitation,’ read, “On behalf of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, I invite you to honor 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 reluctant to see his deputy succeed him.
Amidst the conflict, Shaibu took legal action by approaching an Abuja High Court to prevent Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him. The case was later withdrawn following the intervention of concerned individuals.
Despite this, Shaibu remains marginalized and currently operates from an office outside the Government House in the GRA in Benin, the state capital.
Shaibu has been engaging in consultations and meetings 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 clamoring 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?”