Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has announced that he is temporarily shelving his gubernatorial ambitions to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the upcoming September 21 governorship election. Shaibu expressed his support at the Afemai World Congress in Detroit, Michigan, USA, over the weekend.
Shaibu, who recently faced political challenges, including impeachment, accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of obstructing his governorship aspirations. Despite the setbacks, Shaibu remains optimistic about his future political prospects, citing his age as an advantage.
In a video clip provided by the Afemai World Congress organizers on Sunday, Shaibu elaborated on his decision to back Okpebholo. He criticized Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), supported by Obaseki, asserting that Okpebholo would be a superior governor.
“Elections are coming, and I urge you to be interested,” Shaibu said. “I moved from the PDP back to the APC because of the governor. I wanted to become the governor, but they threatened to destroy me if I pursued that ambition. They did everything, but God has kept me alive.”
Reflecting on his impeachment and subsequent reinstatement, Shaibu described his experiences as part of the intimidation and harassment he has endured. “I have been reinstated as deputy governor. My impeachment was part of the harassment I faced, but I remain determined to find ways to salvage our country,” he stated.
Shaibu praised Okpebholo as a “breath of fresh air” and highlighted his accomplishments, including breaking the jinx in Edo Central by winning the Senate seat for the APC. “The grace of God is upon him. I have played my card, and we are still young. If God wills it, I will become governor. I have left my ambition to God and will work towards making Afemai and Edo State the land of our dreams,” he added.
Echoing Shaibu’s sentiments, the acting Chairman of the Edo APC, Jarret Tenebe, called on the diaspora to actively engage in the state’s political process. “I urge our people in the diaspora to be interested in who becomes the next governor. If you fail to be interested, you will allow unqualified individuals to lead you,” Tenebe said.
Tenebe emphasized the importance of diaspora support in winning elections and encouraged the diaspora community to contribute to the state’s development. “We need good people in governance to ensure things go well. Encourage your people and children to come back home and join hands with us. We have failed at home and need the diaspora to help us build our society,” he concluded.
