Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for disregarding a court ruling that reinstated him to office.
The tension between the two leaders has been mounting, particularly concerning the upcoming governorship election in the state.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shaibu expressed his dissatisfaction with the Governor’s lack of acknowledgment of the court’s decision. He also shed light on his role in Obaseki’s rise to power, revealing that he was chosen as Obaseki’s running mate to enhance the political strength of their party’s ticket, given that Obaseki was not originally a politician.
Shaibu disclosed that it took former governor Adams Oshiomhole three months to persuade him and other party members to support Obaseki’s candidacy. “Obaseki wasn’t a politician, and financially, he wasn’t even in a position to run for office,” Shaibu remarked.
“Oshiomhole introduced him, and initially, many of us were skeptical. But out of respect for Oshiomhole, we eventually decided to back him.”
Reflecting on the efforts made to secure Obaseki’s governorship, Shaibu said, “Obaseki didn’t contribute financially—we gathered our resources, rallied support from our friends, and leveraged our political capital to get him elected. So, when discussing the dynamics between governors and their deputies, it’s important to remember that I played a key role in making him governor, not the other way around.”
Shaibu’s comments underscore the growing rift between him and Obaseki, as the state’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the next election.
