Shaibu Accuses Obaseki Of Betraying Wike

Edo State deputy governor and frontline Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the 2024 election, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has accused the Governor, Godwin Obaseki of betraying former Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Shaibu, who does not enjoy the endorsement of Governor Obaseki in his gubernatorial aspiration, however said that he was not fighting the governor over his decision to support Mr. Asue Ighodalo from Edo Central to succeed him.
Shaibu, who hails from Edo North Senatorial Zone nevertheless stressed that it was Governor Obaseki that was fighting him.
The deputy governor who was a guest on a live TV live programme, “The Morning Show” monitored in Benin, said that the governor had declared a full-scale war on him for daring to exercise his democratic right in seeking the ticket of the main opposition party.
Fuming, he accused Obaseki of attempting to turn around and play the role of a political godfather in Edo, which both of them fought against after agreeing that such a situation should never again occur in the state.
He said he was deeply hurt that Governor Obaseki was supporting an outsider (Ighodalo) instead of him.
He said that their shared focus remained serving the people and dismantling the influence of “godfathers” in Edo politics.
Shaibu stated that he staked his long term relationship with Obaseki’s predecessor and now Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to fight oppression and back his principal’s aspiration and lamented that despite standing through thick and thin with Obaseki he was amazed that the governor was pitching his tent with another aspirant in next month’s primary of the PDP.
He said, “This is the same governor that issued me several commendation letters, writing that I am the best deputy governor any governor will wish to have because of my efficiency, transparency and accountability.
“Anyone who says I betrayed the governor is not correct. We all agreed as a group to fight godfathers–even the governor pledged to fight godfatherism in the state, and said he should be dealt with if he turns around and attempts to play the role of a godfather.
“Because I hate oppression, I staked my relationship (with Oshiomhole). I lost about 20 percent of my political capital in Edo North to support Godwin Obaseki as deputy governor. Through my friends and others, I supported the second term bid of the governor with my structure, all my vehicles and finances. For us to get the ticket of PDP, I contributed financially.”