Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has asserted that the fate of his deputy, Philip Shaibu, who declared his intention to run for the governorship seat, lies in the hands of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. The relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu strained when the deputy declared his candidacy for the Edo State governorship election in 2024.
After a closed-door meeting with former Akwa Ibom State Governor Emmanuel Udom and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed at the Ramat House on Thursday, Obaseki addressed journalists. The meeting aimed to discuss matters related to the PDP Governors’ Forum, including Obaseki’s relationship with his deputy and potential ways to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to alleviate the challenges faced by Nigerians.
Governor Obaseki emphasized that he maintains a cordial relationship with Shaibu, acknowledging the deputy’s constitutional right to run for governor. Obaseki highlighted that his vote alone would not determine Shaibu’s candidacy within the PDP, stating, “The party will decide, and also members of the party will decide who will be the flag bearer of the party in the forthcoming governorship election.”
While noting the challenges facing the country, Obaseki expressed the need to collaborate to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. The discussion also covered broader party issues and the state of the nation.
As the political landscape evolves in Edo State, attention is now on the PDP members’ decision-making process, which will ultimately determine the party’s flag bearer for the upcoming governorship election.
