Edo State’s Deputy Governor and the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2024 gubernatorial candidate, Philip Shaibu, has expressed a sense of betrayal by Governor Godwin Obaseki, citing alleged deception and loss of political capital.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Shaibu revealed that he invested significantly in supporting Governor Obaseki’s second term, only to feel duped in return.
“I feel betrayed by the governor. I lost about 20% of my political capital in Edo north to support Godwin Obaseki, and in supporting him, even as a deputy governor with no line financially, through my friends and all that, I supported the second term bid of the governor with my structure, all my vehicles and my finances, including how we got the ticket of PDP.
“I contributed in naira and in dollars, and I discovered that I was even duped. So, if I say betrayal, it’s an understatement. I feel hurt and betrayed.”
Shaibu emphasized that he was not initially interested in becoming the deputy governor, but yielded to persuasion by his supporters, aiming to add value to Obaseki’s ticket.
“Actually, I was persuaded. I didn’t want to be deputy governor. I was very comfortable as a representative. It took almost one month to get me to be the deputy governor of Edo state, and there was no protest. It was persuasion, and my supporters said, look, you must be there, and I accepted.”
Shaibu asserted his suitability for leadership in Edo State, claiming to feel the pulse of the people. He argued that the people of Edo are done experimenting and desire a genuine leader.
“People are saying Shaibu is one popular deputy governor. I only have two government portfolios, but I have to be feeling the gaps because I am close to the people, I know what they feel.”
In response to allegations of using taxpayer money to secure support, Shaibu contrasted his organic supporters with Obaseki’s methods, stating, “My support is not procured just like the governor is using taxpayer’s money to procure support.”
The deputy governor also dismissed claims that his candidacy is merely based on regional considerations, stating that Edo North has never been given the PDP ticket for the governorship, and his candidacy aligns with principles of equity and fairness.