Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State, will formally announce his candidature for the state’s governorship on Monday.
A letter dated 23 November and signed by the deputy governor was distributed by the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation and included the deputy governor’s strategy.
“On behalf of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, I invite you to honour me with your esteemed presence as I offer myself to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State,” the letter headed “Special Invitation” stated.
The event is set to take place on Monday, November 27, at the Eterno Hotels around 8 a.m., as mentioned in the letter.
Because of his ambition, Shaibu is at odds with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is reportedly not amenable to having his deputy succeed him.
Shaibu petitioned an Abuja High Court to prevent Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from impeaching him during the height of the confrontation.
Later, following the involvement of well-meaning people, he withdrew the complaint.
Shaibu, however, continues to face rejection; at the moment, he operates his office outside the state capital of Benin’s Government House in the GRA.
Regarding his goals, Shaibu has been meeting and engaging with legislators as well as the media.
“If everything goes according to his (Shaibu’s) plans, he will officially declare his intention next week,” a close aide to the politician stated on Monday.
“Some of the campaign vehicles have started to arrive, he has already secured a campaign office along Airport Road, and the consultations have advanced to this point.”
The “Edo people are in dire need of practical governance and we cannot afford to experiment again with someone who does not understand the politics and needs of Edo State,” stated Shaibu, who expressed his desire to replace Obaseki in a Saturday interview with journalists in Abuja.
He went on, “People are screaming that governments shouldn’t be promoting unnecessary projects everywhere they look, particularly internationally. Thus, needs analysis is necessary. When you don’t live with someone, you can’t understand their needs.
“In my opinion, the key words should be expertise and experience. Who, if elected governor, is more capable, experienced, and ready to go to work right away?
“Are we going to try this again with a new hire who learns on the job for the first four years and then tries for the next four years to steal and start businesses under the pretence of consolidating on his first term?”
