By Francis Ogbuagu
The Edo State Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu on Monday said, nobody can stop his ambition to contest the Edo 2024 Governorship election, amid conflicts of interest with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Shiabu,who made the statement while addressing Journalists and supporters at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre,Benin City,Edo State said his ambition is anchored on a five-pillar agenda which include: infrastructural development,
health and social welfare.
Others include agriculture , rural development and poverty alleviation.
Shaibu said:
“I have fought the good fight for you my people, Along the way, suffered humiliations and enjoyed many moments of victory but I am thankful in all things.
I have been pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, badly hurt but not destroyed. I resonate with the tireless and irrepressible Spirit of the Edo People. By the grace of God, nothing and no one can stop us. After all, I be original Edo son…100% home boy.
Continuing,he said.
“This is why today, I stand before you with great conviction and resolve, as I declare my intention to run for the office of the Governor of Edo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2024 election and I am confident that with your support, we can take Edo State to even greater heights.
“My fellow citizens and party faithful, our campaign will be built upon five core pillars, each vital to the transformationand prosperity of our beloved state.” He said.
Shaibu’s long awaited declaration on Sunday suffered another opposition from his principal,as his Ethno Hotel ,GRA earlier venue was denied him,as some Obaseki loyalists,”Obaseki Finishing Well Group” (OFG), booked the venue for their own programme the same day, prompting the management of the hotel owned by a PDP Chieftain in the state to refund his money.
After Shaibu’s address at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Center, the train moved to his Airport Road,GRA Campaign Office, where branded vehicles and other campaign materials were presented to his supporters.
Speaking,Some party leaders who were there declared their support for him.
According to Chief Sunny Okomayin from Edo North, “This is a step that will take us to Osadebay Avenue, don’t be intimidated, we have started, no retreat, no surrender.”
Speaking on behalf of Afemai Initiative Group, Tony Otsu said they would mobilize all their members who are in the PDP to ensure that Shaibu gets the ticket and mobilize for him for the general election.
The former State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who defected to the PDP with Obaseki and Shaibu, Dr Esosa Amadasun said “This is democracy, no man is God and no man should tell another man that you must not contest” adding that she has been impressed by the conduct of Shiabu since his differences with the governor started.
