Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has openly expressed his satisfaction with the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory in the recent gubernatorial election. Speaking from his office in Benin City on Monday, September 23, 2024, Shaibu’s comments have reignited political tensions and raised questions about loyalty and allegiances in Nigerian politics.
The path that led Shaibu to this moment has been anything but straightforward. In June 2020, he resigned from the APC alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki, joining the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a move that reshaped Edo’s political dynamics. Together, they clinched victory in the 2020 governorship election, seemingly cementing their alliance.
However, as Shaibu set his sights on succeeding Obaseki in 2024, their relationship soured dramatically. This tension culminated in Shaibu’s impeachment, a decision that was later overturned, reinstating him to his position as Deputy Governor.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC the winner of the hotly contested governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. According to INEC’s official results, Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, narrowly defeating PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes.
This declaration, however, has not been without controversy. The PDP swiftly rejected the results, alleging irregularities and breaches of due process during the collation of votes.
In an exclusive interview with Arise TV, Deputy Governor Shaibu didn’t mince words about his feelings regarding the election outcome. “I feel vindicated and thank God for it,” he declared, his voice filled with a mix of relief and triumph. I am so excited and happy that I am counted among the numbers that have helped APC to regain the seat, Government House in Edo State.
Shaibu’s enthusiasm was palpable as he continued, “I have prayed for it and I worked for it. I have also cancelled that impression, negative impression and blackmail that have been flying that Philip Shaibu does not win his ward. It is a lie; I have never lost my ward. I have never lost my unit. I always win it.”
The Deputy Governor took particular pride in his local electoral performance, emphasizing the strength of his grassroots support. “Today, I have the highest votes from my unit in the entire 192 wards,” Shaibu boasted. And in the local government, you can see. Those that have blackmailed me, they can see.”
This assertion of local dominance was quickly followed by a pointed comparison to Governor Obaseki’s performance. Even the governor couldn’t win his local government,” Shaibu noted, a hint of schadenfreude in his voice. I won my unit which is now number one in the state, I won my ward and I am still number one, and in local government. I took first from my unit to ward to the local government.”
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Shaibu’s interview was his direct criticism of Governor Obaseki. The Deputy Governor didn’t hold back, mocking his former ally’s electoral performance and leadership style.
“Where is the governor’s result? He has never won; we always assist him,” Shaibu claimed, pulling back the curtain on their past political relationship. But unfortunately, he got the power and he started kicking us and removing the leader.
Shaibu’s advice for Obaseki was blunt and unapologetic: “It is very unfortunate and I hope he learns his lessons. What is left now is for him to go back and start begging and apologising to the people of Edo State, and he has a lot of them that he needs to go and apologise to.
Dr. Amina Okoye, a political science professor at the University of Benin, offered her perspective on the unfolding drama. What we’re seeing is the culmination of long-simmering tensions within Edo’s political elite,” she explained. “Shaibu’s comments reveal deep-seated resentments and could signal a significant realignment of political forces in the state.”
Meanwhile, PDP spokesperson Chief Emmanuel Ogidi dismissed Shaibu’s remarks as “sour grapes” and maintained the party’s stance on the election results. “We stand by our assertion that this election was marred by irregularities,” Ogidi stated. The Deputy Governor’s comments are unfortunate and do not reflect the true state of affairs in Edo.
As the dust settles on Edo State’s contentious gubernatorial election, the political landscape appears more fractured than ever. Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu’s celebratory comments and sharp criticism of his former ally, Governor Godwin Obaseki, have added another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation.
The APC’s victory, contested by the PDP, sets the stage for potential legal battles and ongoing political maneuvering. Shaibu’s apparent realignment with the APC raises questions about the future of governance in Edo State and the stability of current political alliances.
As night falls on Benin City, the air is thick with uncertainty and speculation. Will Shaibu’s comments lead to further political upheaval? How will Governor Obaseki and the PDP respond to this public rebuke? And what does this mean for the people of Edo State, caught in the crossfire of these political power plays?
One thing is certain: the drama unfolding in Edo State is far from over. As the state braces for the transition of power and the inevitable legal challenges to the election results, all eyes will remain fixed on this pivotal battleground in Nigerian politics. The coming weeks and months promise to be a critical period that could reshape the political landscape not just in Edo, but potentially across Nigeria as a whole.
