Stakeholders in the Edo Central Senatorial District have accused Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, of being overly eager to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki. They claim that this situation could harm the ruling Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) chances in the upcoming governorship election.
Speaking on behalf of the Edo Central people, Bartholomew Okoudo, the convener of Esan Advocates for Good Governance, called on Shaibu to support Obaseki in adhering to the senatorial zoning arrangement and selecting a candidate from the region.
Okoudo stated, “The people of Edo Central Senatorial District are calling on the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, to exercise restraint and stop pressuring the governor to yield to pressure to disregard the senatorial zoning arrangement.”
He further noted that Shaibu’s frequent demands were driven by his ambition to secure the governorship ticket for the upcoming election, and his actions appeared to be an attempt to manipulate Governor Obaseki.
However, a source close to Shaibu dismissed the claims, stating that the deputy governor is not overly eager to become the governor of the state. The source expressed hope that the rift within the party would be resolved, ultimately benefiting the PDP.