In a startling turn of events, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of betrayal as the political landscape in the state undergoes significant turmoil. Shaibu, who is seeking to become the next governor of Edo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claims that Obaseki is supporting another aspirant in the upcoming September 21 governorship election.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Shaibu expressed regret for supporting Obaseki’s second-term bid in 2020, a time when Obaseki faced opposition from his predecessor and political godfather, Adams Oshiomhole, who vowed that he would not be reelected for a second term.v
Shaibu stated, “I feel betrayed by the governor. I feel very betrayed.” He highlighted that his initial acceptance of the deputy governor position was to add value to Obaseki’s ticket, as Obaseki was not well-known in the political arena at that time. The deputy governor added that he contributed significantly to Obaseki’s campaign, both financially and in terms of political structures, vehicles, and support.
The deputy governor, hailing from the Edo North Senatorial District, the same district as Oshiomhole, disclosed a running battle with Obaseki over his political ambitions. In a parallel development, former Minister of Works, Mike Onolomemen, alleged that Obaseki’s manipulation of last year’s senatorial primaries in the PDP forced him to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Onolomemen, now a governorship aspirant on the APC platform, asserted that he won the Edo Central Senatorial District primary but faced interference from Obaseki, who supported a candidate not involved in the primaries. The matter escalated to the Supreme Court, resulting in a judgment that Onolomemen deemed a breaking point.
While the political drama unfolds, efforts to obtain Obaseki’s reaction were unsuccessful, and the situation remains dynamic. In a related development, PDP governorship aspirant John Yakubu stepped down for Asue Ighodalo, believed to be Obaseki’s favored candidate, further intensifying the internal dynamics of the party. The Edo Central PDP Special Committee, led by Chief Tom Ikimi, is expected to announce its consensus aspirant on Thursday, adding more anticipation to the unfolding political scenario.