Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Monday officially declared his intention to contest in the 2024 governorship election in the state.
Shaibu’s declaration is coming after months of controversy and running battle with his boss, Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
In a pre-recorded speech aired today, November 27th Shaibu, who has been the deputy governor of the state since 2016, said he would be contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to Shaibu, he is a homeboy who understands the people’s plight and urged the electorate and party members to support his desire.
He said that after 30 years in politics and seven years of working with Governor Godwin Obaseki to rebuild the state, he was in the best position to succeed his principal.
“Nobody can stop my ambition,” he declared.
If elected governor of the state in 2024, the deputy governor has promised to provide practical governance
The 53-year-old politician said he has put his life on the line for the development and growth of the state and he was determined to make the South-South state great again.
After his official declaration, Shaibu launched his campaign office in Benin City, the state capital, at an event crowded with party supporters in branded accoutrements.
“After all the consultations we have made, we needed to now make the answer to our consultations known to our people. And the answer is clear: they have asked me to run,” Shaibu said amid reverberating cheers of loyalists.
Shaibu is from Edo North Senatorial District, the same district as ex-governor of the state and current lawmaker representing the district in the 10th National Assembly, Adams Oshiomhole.
Edo is one of the eight states with off-cycle governorship polls due to litigations and court judgements.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed September 21, 2024 for governorship poll.
