Obaseki Explains Why He Doesn’t Want Shaibu to Succeed Him

In a recent interview, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State clarified why he does not support his former deputy, Philip Shaibu, to succeed him as governor. The 21 September governorship election in Edo State has revealed a significant rift between the two former political allies.

Governor Obaseki stated that his reason for not backing Shaibu is due to Shaibu’s governorship ambition not aligning with the political landscape in Edo State. According to Obaseki, “the odds do not favor” Shaibu, emphasizing the risks involved in supporting him. This risk is tied to a broader responsibility to protect the interests of the Edo people. He explained, “I could not take any risk on his ambition because I have to protect the Edo people.”

The fallout between Obaseki and Shaibu escalated after the latter was removed from his deputy governor position by the Edo State House of Assembly. Shaibu’s removal came with accusations of leaking government secrets, a claim he vehemently denies. He has characterized his dismissal as politically motivated and plans to challenge it legally.

In response to Shaibu’s removal, Governor Obaseki appointed Omobayo Godwins, a 38-year-old engineer, as the new deputy governor. This change indicates the culmination of the political dispute between Obaseki and Shaibu, with the governor stating that Shaibu’s removal was justified due to his overambitious governorship aspirations.

Obaseki’s preference for a successor leans toward Asue Ighodalo, a former banker from the Edo Central District. This choice aligns with the prevailing zoning pattern in Edo State, where Obaseki hails from Edo South, and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Shaibu are from Edo North.

Shaibu’s aspirations have nonetheless persisted, despite lacking Obaseki’s endorsement. He held a parallel governorship primary within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, where he emerged as the sole candidate. However, this move has been met with resistance from the broader PDP leadership and Obaseki, with the official primary backing Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.

Shaibu’s actions have caused further division within the PDP, setting the stage for a complex and contentious political battle in the upcoming governorship election.