Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has announced his intention to vie for the governorship position in the upcoming 2024 election, emphasizing the need for practical governance to address the state’s developmental challenges. Speaking at a media parley with the Edo State Journalists Forum in Abuja, Shaibu highlighted his experience, capacity, and knowledge as differentiating factors in his bid to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Despite calls for power to return to Edo Central Senatorial District, Shaibu dismissed the notion of any convention or agreement on zoning, asserting that since the return to democracy in 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not given its governorship ticket to any aspirant from Edo North.
Shaibu underscored the urgent requirement for practical governance, stating, “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.” He emphasized the importance of competence, experience, and the ability to initiate immediate action in addressing the state’s challenges.
Addressing concerns about zoning, Shaibu clarified, “There is no convention in Edo State on the issue of zoning, politically, traditionally, or at conferences where we met to say this is how we want to have our politics zoned.” He argued that equity and fairness support the idea that Edo North should produce the next governor.
Responding to questions about his preferred political platform, Shaibu expressed a strong inclination towards the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He highlighted ongoing consultations and affirmed that his commitment to the PDP remains steadfast, with the party being his first, second, and third options.
In what seemed to be a veiled critique of Governor Obaseki’s background in banking, Shaibu emphasized his street credibility, stating, “I am not going into governorship to build estates. The only estate I owe my children is their education.” He further differentiated his approach, stating, “Those who know me know that I am not a friend to bankers. I have sunk boreholes and renovated many schools with private funds as Deputy Governor. I have built churches and mosques. I am not an advocate of keeping money in the bank. I have a conscience; I am a Catholic.
