EDO: Shaibu planning to join APC ahead of 2024 gov'ship elections - Obaseki claims

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has alleged that his deputy, Philip Shaibu is attempting to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking to some journalists in Benin City following a visit by Edo North leaders, Obaseki alleged that deputy governor had been actively engaging with senior actors both at the national and state level of the APC, negotiating his way into their party, adding that he was on the verge of finalizing moves to defect to the APC.

Obaskei also stressed that he never had plans to impeach his deputy after it was revealed that Shaibu was seeking a court order to stop his purported impeachment.

Obaseki said, “Let me put it on record that I am not aware of any plot or any scheme to impeach the Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu. I have also checked and there was no such plan.

“So, the court action taken, for me, is a thing of shock and disappointment. I am trying to reflect on the move made by somebody that I have given a broad latitude to do his work as deputy governor. So, for him to take this kind of action is shocking.”

Obaseki said Shaibu never discussed his governorship ambition with him.

“The last time we spoke of my successor after the House of Assembly election, I did say that we should be patient and that our task is to try and finish well and conclude all our projects we started. It’s only when we do this right that we will have the support of the people for my successor.

“I believe that this action by him is a preemptive move to get a court order, keep his ticket and move to another party. I think it’s unfair for our party. We don’t need this sort of crisis. I have been getting calls all over the world and it’s rather sad that somebody who is part of an administration will do this to the administration because of his personal ambition.”

Obaseki said he was not angry “but naturally I should be disappointed.”