Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has formally declared his ambition to contest the governorship position in the upcoming 2024 elections. The announcement was made in a video released by his office in Benin, the state capital, on Monday, November 27, 2023.
Philip Shaibu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his intent to succeed his current principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and vie for the governorship on the PDP platform. The declaration follows earlier indications from Shaibu’s camp that he would officially announce his candidacy this week.
Last week, the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation had issued a ‘Special Invitation’ dated November 23, 2023, inviting newsmen to witness the formal declaration. The event was scheduled for Monday, November 27, at the Eterno Hotels, beginning at 8 am.
This move by Shaibu sets the stage for a dynamic political landscape in Edo State, as his gubernatorial aspiration places him in direct competition with Governor Godwin Obaseki. Obaseki, who is currently serving as governor, is believed to be working towards endorsing another candidate to succeed him, leading to potential internal party dynamics within the PDP.
Shaibu’s official entry into the gubernatorial race signals the beginning of what promises to be an interesting and closely watched political process in Edo State as the 2024 elections draw nearer. As the deputy governor embarks on this journey, political observers will be keenly observing the unfolding developments within the PDP and the wider political arena in Edo State.
