Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has formally entered the race for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in the upcoming Edo State 2024 governorship election, marking a noteworthy development.
The announcement came through a pre-recorded televised address on Monday morning, where Shaibu passionately expressed his aspirations and commitment to the people of Edo State.
As your deputy governor in the last seven years, I have had the privilege of working closely with our amiable governor, Godwin Obaseki, to lay a solid foundation for the progress in Edo State,” he said.
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This move sets the stage for a keenly watched contest within the PDP ranks as the party gears up for the primaries.
Yet, the political scene exposes a division between Shaibu and the incumbent Governor, Obaseki. Reports suggest that Governor Obaseki is hesitant to endorse his deputy’s bid for succession, creating a notable divide within the ruling party.
The intricacies of this internal discord may influence how the PDP moves forward in choosing its candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial race.
After announcing his candidacy, Shaibu opened his campaign office in Benin City, the state capital, drawing a substantial crowd of party supporters.
Speaking at his campaign office, he said,
“The project for me to be the governor of Edo State is not just mine; it’s a collective one. We have decided in Edo State that original own boy, 100 per cent, has to be the governor of Edo State.
“After all the consultations we have made, we needed to now make the answer to our consultation known to our people. And the answer is clear: they have asked me to run.”
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