Updated: Edo gov poll: I’m unstoppable, says Philip Shaibu

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Monday said he remained resolute and unstoppable in his interest to contest the 2024 governorship poll in the state.

He said he would be contesting the election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He made his declaration at the Biohop Kelly Centre, Benin City.

The deputy governor was billed to declare his governorship bid at the Eterno Hotel but the hotel cancelled the event at the last minute, saying Governor Obaseki had a programme for the venue at same time.

Obaseki and Shaibu have been on war path over the latter’s governorship bid.

Shaibu said as home boy of the Edo who had felt the pains of the people, he was prepared to develop the state.

Shaibu called on the people to support him in actualizing his ambition of becoming the next governor of the state.

BREAKING: Obaseki’s deputy, Philip Shaibu, declares interest in Edo gov seat

Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has formally declared his intention to run for Governor of Edo State in the 2024 election, succeeding his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The declaration follows weeks of speculation regarding his intentions.

In a pre-recorded speech aired today, he said, “This is why today, I stand before you with great conviction and resolve, as I declare my intention to run for the office of the Governor of Edo State under the platform of the

“Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2024 election and I am confident that with your support, we can take Edo State to even greater heights.

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“My fellow citizens and party faithful, our campaign will be built upon five core pillars, each vital to the transformation and prosperity of our beloved state.”

Shaibu launched his campaign office in Benin City, the state capital, after the declaration.

Recall that last week, the deputy governor revealed that he will formally declare his intention to run for the 2024 Edo State governorship election this week.

An invitation dated November 23, 2023, which the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation made available to newsmen last week, read: “On behalf of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, I invite you to honour me with your esteemed presence as I offer myself to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State.”

Shaibu’s declaration sets the stage for a battle between him and Obaseki. Obaseki is reportedly backing another candidate to succeed him, and the two have been at odds in recent months.

BREAKING: Obaseki’s deputy, Philip Shaibu, declares interest in Edo gov seat

Edo dep gov governorship bid in turmoil as Obaseki-Shaibu feud deepens

Tensions soared within the political landscape of Edo State as the much-anticipated formal declaration of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu’s gubernatorial ambition faced an unexpected hurdle today.

The anticipated launch, slated at Eterno Hotels in Benin City, was abruptly disrupted following the cancellation of Shaibu’s booking at the venue.

In a surprising turn of events, the hotel, situated in the Government Reserved Area and reportedly owned by a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, rescinded the booking made by Shaibu’s camp.

The management informed Shaibu’s team that the space was no longer available and refunded the payment.

Sources revealed to Punch that the cancellation was attributed to another group, the ‘Obaseki Finishing Well Group,’ which purportedly secured the venue for a simultaneous event on the same date and time.

Expressing dismay over the incident, an unnamed loyalist of Shaibu’s camp denounced the move as “preposterous” and a deliberate attempt to stifle the deputy governor’s gubernatorial declaration.

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“We know where this is coming from. Whatever their plans to frustrate our declaration will definitely fail, they are jittery over Shaibu’s declaration and popularity,” the source alleged.

Despite the setback, the source affirmed Shaibu’s determination, asserting that attempts to thwart his declaration would fail.

Speculations about succession plans have intensified, with Shaibu’s gubernatorial ambitions seen as a challenge to Obaseki’s sway in shaping the future leadership of the state.

The strained relationship between the deputy governor and Governor Obaseki has been apparent, reaching a peak when Shaibu sought legal intervention to forestall his impeachment, a move he accused Obaseki and the State House of Assembly of plotting.

While reconciliatory gestures followed, such as Shaibu’s apology and Obaseki’s forgiveness, signs of discord lingered as Shaibu’s office was relocated from the government house.

Last week, amidst escalating tensions, Shaibu’s camp announced his imminent gubernatorial bid, sending ripples across the political spectrum.

A ‘Special Invitation’ disseminated by the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation beckoned dignitaries and the media to witness Shaibu’s formal announcement of his gubernatorial aspirations for the 2024 Edo State election.

Edo dep gov governorship bid in turmoil as Obaseki-Shaibu feud deepens