A new chapter in Edo State’s political landscape unfolds as Governor Godwin Obaseki accuses his deputy, Philip Shaibu, of harboring ambitious plans to unseat him and employing various tactics, including plotting a coup, to achieve his goals.
During a meeting with local leaders, Obaseki reportedly expressed his disappointment in Shaibu’s actions, stating, “My Deputy Governor (Shaibu) has become so desperate to take over and is ready to do anything, including carrying out a coup d’etat to ensure he kicks me out and becomes the governor of Edo State.”
Obaseki recounted incidents where he believed Shaibu’s actions contradicted the interests of the party and state. He cited an alleged attempt by Shaibu to manipulate the election of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. The Governor further revealed his disappointment with the handling of political matters in Edo North, leading to PDP’s lack of representation from the region.
Despite these tensions, Obaseki emphasized his commitment to unity within the party and his role as governor, reiterating his decision to make Shaibu his deputy during their transition from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This recent development adds a layer of complexity to Edo State’s political dynamics, shedding light on power struggles, personal ambitions, and the challenges of maintaining unity within a political party. As the situation continues to unfold, it underscores the intricate interplay of personalities and ambitions in Nigerian politics.