“I Made Gov Obaseki, I Gave Him the Political Capital He Lacked” – Philip Shaibu

Former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has challenged the widespread belief that Governor Godwin Obaseki was responsible for his political rise. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Shaibu asserted that the opposite is true.

Shaibu disclosed that in 2016, he was chosen as Obaseki’s running mate to bolster the ticket with his own political influence. He claimed that Obaseki, who was relatively new to politics, lacked both the experience and financial resources needed to run for office.

“We made Obaseki governor,” Shaibu stated. “Obaseki was not a politician, and he wasn’t financially strong enough to contest the election. Oshiomhole brought him to us, and it took him three months to convince our supporters and me to back Obaseki. We had to bring our own resources, our friends, and our political capital to secure his victory.”

He further emphasized that his political contributions were pivotal, saying, “I was asked to be his deputy to add political value because he was not a politician. It wasn’t him who made me; I made him.”

Shaibu’s remarks come amid escalating tensions between him and Governor Obaseki as the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election approaches. Shaibu, recently reinstated by a Federal High Court after being impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly for alleged misconduct, continues to face opposition from Obaseki, who has refused to acknowledge the court’s decision, citing an ongoing appeal.