Politics
Edo dep gov governorship bid in turmoil as Obaseki-Shaibu feud deepens
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Government Reserved Area and reportedly owned by a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, rescinded the booking made by Shaibu’s camp.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
Politics
PDP reconciliation committee to present report at NEC meeting Thursday
PDP reconciliation committee to present report at NEC meeting Thursday
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, led by Olagunsoye Oyinlola, is set to brief the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on its findings and recommendations ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The committee met at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday to finalise its report for presentation to the Amb. Umar Damagum-led NWC, which will then present it to the NEC for ratification.
Following a meeting with the PDP National Assembly Caucus, Oyinlola emphasised the need for unity within the party, noting that any successful political party must be united. He described the discussions as productive and critical for addressing the party’s declining political fortunes.
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Oyinlola also addressed the upcoming Ondo Governorship election, stating that the committee has considered the election while touring the South-West region and is developing strategies to support the party’s efforts.
When asked about internal disputes, Oyinlola confirmed that the committee is focused on reconciling party members who have disagreements. Regarding rumours of possible suspensions, he dismissed them as speculation, pending discussions with the NWC.
PDP reconciliation committee to present report at NEC meeting Thursday
Politics
Fayose endorses APC’s Oyebanji for second term in Ekiti
Fayose endorses APC’s Oyebanji for second term in Ekiti
Speaking at a recent event to commission infrastructure projects in Ado-Ekiti, Fayose made his support for Oyebanji clear, emphasising that his loyalty to the governor transcends party lines.
“I don’t care what people say about me,” Fayose declared in response to criticism from his party. “Whoever is not pleased should take their party away.”
His comments come amid growing tensions within the PDP, where some members have threatened Fayose with expulsion for his actions.
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- Row among APC leaders in Edo over political appointments
Fayose praised Governor Oyebanji’s performance, citing his developmental strides and the unity among Ekiti leaders as key reasons for his endorsement.
“All former governors of Ekiti are standing behind Oyebanji for a second term,” Fayose noted, underscoring the broad support Oyebanji has garnered due to his achievements in office.
Governor Oyebanji, during the event, highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve the lives of Ekiti residents.
He pointed out that under his leadership, over 40 towns have been connected to the national power grid, boosting local economies through significant infrastructure projects.
Fayose’s endorsement comes ahead of the 2026 governorship election and is seen as a significant boost to Oyebanji’s chances of securing a second term.
Despite Fayose’s strong ties to the PDP, his support for the sitting governor indicates a potential rift within the party as the state prepares for the upcoming election.
Fayose endorses APC’s Oyebanji for second term in Ekiti
Politics
Row among APC leaders in Edo over political appointments
Row among APC leaders in Edo over political appointments
Tensions are reaching a boiling point within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State as key party leaders lock horns over political appointments following the recent election.
The power struggle between former APC governorship candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s camp and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s faction has escalated into a full-blown conflict, with both sides accusing each other of greed and overreach in the allocation of “juicy” positions within the state government.
Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s loyalists have made it clear that they will not tolerate what they perceive as an attempt by Oshiomhole’s camp to monopolize appointments in Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
A source from Ize-Iyamu’s camp told News Direct:
“We will not allow one greedy man to singlehandedly nominate appointees into all the juicy positions or take the lion’s share in nominating political appointees beyond his senatorial district.
“He plans to boss the governor into a tight corner to take command over his government.”
The rift was fuelled by accusations that Oshiomhole’s influence over the incoming governor is growing disproportionately, and there are concerns that the former governor, through his loyalists, is attempting to seize control of key positions in Edo State’s administration.
On their part, Ize-Iyamu’s supporters believe the positions should be distributed equitably across all senatorial districts.
A source from Oshiomhole’s faction dismissed the position, saying:
“Those that didn’t contribute significant votes in the election should take the back seat.
It is not a monkey work, bamboo chop thing; but, if the governor insists he wants to play to their music, we will not hesitate to dance naked and tell the tribunal how we rigged the election that brought him because he knows he didn’t win at the poll.”
The current political tussle appears to be centred on distributing 12 commissioner slots and other high-ranking appointments.
Ize-Iyamu’s camp has argued that it is unfair for one individual, particularly someone from a different senatorial district, to control so many key positions. A senior member from Ize-Iyamu’s faction said:
“We insist 12 commissioners and other juicy appointments are too much for one man who is merely a senatorial leader. We must resist this masked intruder vehemently.
“His puppet can concede his two Ovias to support the Edo North slot, but certainly not in my Edo South or Okpebholo’s Central. We are not fools.”
Meanwhile, political watchers in the state say the deepening feud between these two factions could have serious implications for the stability of the APC in Edo State.
There are also fears that the dispute over appointments could weaken the party’s unity, especially with the looming possibility of litigation at the election tribunal.
While the Oshiomhole camp has implied that it could reveal damaging information regarding the election process, Ize-Iyamu’s camp remains defiant, stating that they can defend their victory without relying on Oshiomhole’s influence.
Row among APC leaders in Edo over political appointments
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