In a twist of political events in Edo State, the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of betrayal as he seeks to clinch the governorship seat in the upcoming September 21 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Shaibu expressed regret for supporting Obaseki’s second-term bid in 2020, citing perceived betrayal as Obaseki allegedly throws support behind another aspirant.
In a related development, another PDP governorship aspirant, John Yakubu, withdrew from the race on Wednesday, giving way for Asue Ighodalo, a former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and believed to be Obaseki’s favored candidate. Yakubu’s withdrawal follows the footsteps of four other aspirants who recently stepped down for Ighodalo.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Shaibu detailed his contributions to Obaseki’s political journey, expressing deep hurt and betrayal. He revealed financial and structural support, noting the sacrifice of losing political capital in Edo North to support Obaseki.
Meanwhile, former Minister of Works, Mike Onolomemen, alleged that Obaseki’s manipulation during the PDP senatorial primaries forced him to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Onolomemen, also a governorship aspirant on the APC platform, criticized Obaseki’s interference in the primaries, leading to his decision to leave the PDP.
Efforts to obtain Obaseki’s reaction were unsuccessful as his media aide, Crusoe Osagie, remained unreachable. As the political drama unfolds, Ighodalo’s candidacy receives a boost with Yakubu’s withdrawal, further solidifying his position as the PDP’s favored candidate for the Edo State governorship race. The Edo Central PDP Special Committee, led by Chief Tom Ikimi, is set to announce its consensus aspirant on Thursday.
