Breaking: I feel betrayed by Obaseki – Shaibu
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has voiced his feelings of betrayal by his principal, Godwin Obaseki, for not endorsing his candidacy in the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election.
Shaibu, who asserted that he reluctantly accepted the role of deputy governor at Obaseki’s persuasion, emphasized the contributions he made to Obaseki’s administration, including political support and financial assistance.
In an interview on Arise TV, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant expressed disappointment that Obaseki was endorsing an external candidate instead of supporting him. Shaibu refrained from identifying the specific outsider in question.
Recalling the circumstances that led to his deputy governorship, Shaibu explained that he was initially content as a member of the House of Representatives and took about a month to be convinced to assume the deputy governor role. He agreed to enhance Obaseki’s electoral chances by bringing in his political experience and financial resources.
Feeling betrayed, Shaibu remarked, “I feel betrayed by the governor. I feel very betrayed.”
He cited his significant contributions, such as providing campaign vehicles and financial support, and expressed the depth of his hurt and sense of betrayal.
Shaibu, representing Edo North Senatorial District, shares the same district as the former governor, Adams Oshiomhole.
The deputy governor has been entangled in a conflict with Obaseki over his political aspirations, even resorting to legal action at one point, though he later withdrew the case.
Tensions escalated further when Shaibu was relocated to an office outside the Government House. Despite the strained relationship, he formally announced his intention to compete for the Peoples Democratic Party ticket in the party primaries scheduled for November 2023.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has set the Edo governorship election for September 21, 2024.