By Kamil Opeyemi
After months of controversy and uproar, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, on Monday throw his hat into the ring by declaring his intention to run for the 2024 governorship election in the state.
In a televised speech today, Shaibu, who has been the deputy governor of the state since 2016, said he would run for the office of the number one in the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“When Edo was created in 1991, our brilliant leaders fully aware of our ancestors destiny names us the heartbeat of the nation.
“That was not an ordinary slogan. It was a call to destiny one that we must collectively achieve. As your deputy governor in the last seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our amiable governor, his excellency, governor Godwin Obaseki, to lay a solid foundation for the progress in Edo state.
“Under our administration, we have seen remarkable achievements and milestones but there’s still much work to be done.
“I’m aware of the needs by the greater Edo people for a more inclusive government; a government of Edo people, by Edo people, and for Edo people. A government of individuals who have been there and know the pains and wishes of an average Edolite.
“Since my foray into politics, three decades ago, I have lived among you. You have loved me as your own son. I felt your pain at close quarters; sat with the elders to benefit from their wealth of wisdom.
“Led the youths in many struggles for their rights, visibility and freedom. Learnt the intricacies of modern governance and built adequate service capacity.”
Speaking further, Shaibu said his campaign will be built on five pillars vital to the development of the state.
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.
Shaibu, who has been having a running battle with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, for sometime over his political ambition, said though he was persecuted, he was not crushed.
“I’ve fought the good fight for you my people. Along the way, suffered humiliation and enjoyed many moments of victory. But I’m thankful in all things. I’ve been pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, badly hurt but not destroyed,” he added.
“I resonate with the tireless and irrepressible spirit of Edo people, by the grace of God, nothing and no one can stop us.
“After all, I be original Edo son. One hundred percent home boy. This is why today, I stand before you with great conviction resolved 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 elections.
“I am confident, with your support, we can take Edo state to even greater height. My fellow citizens and party faithful, our campaign will be built on five core pillars, each vital to the transformation and prosperity of our beloved state.
“We’ll govern with transparency, accountability and establish a culture of trust between the government and the people.
“This declaration is not just a political affair, it is a call to destiny, a call to become the heartbeat of this nation not just in words but in deeds. I humbly seek your support, trust, nomination in this upcoming election,” he added
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 consultation we have made, we needed to now make the answer to our consultation known to our people. And the answer is clear: they have asked me to run,” Shaibu said.
Shaibu is from Edo North Senatorial District, the same district as ex-governor of the state and current senator representing the district in the 10th National Assembly, Adams Oshiomhole.
Both Obaseki and Shaibu were once allies of Oshiomhole but the political association among them tumbled towards the 2020 governorship election when the ex-labour leader was accused of ‘godfatherism’ which he denied.
In the last election, Obaseki and Shaibu trounced Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite that the APC candidate was backed by Oshiomhole and other APC heavyweights including ex-governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, and ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
To succeed Obaseki, Shaibu would have to first contend with other PDP aspirants for the party’s ticket and then with other main gladiators on September 21, 2024, the date fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold the governorship poll.
Edo is one of the eight states with off-cycle governorship polls due to litigations and court judgements.Oher states with off-cycle guber polls are Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Osun and Ondo.