In a resolute statement, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands to lose in the forthcoming governorship election if the party fails to nominate him as its candidate.
Shaibu made this declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, emphasizing his legitimacy as the party’s authentic candidate despite a parallel primary election that saw Asue Ighodalo emerge as the winner.
Maintaining his stance, Shaibu emphasized the preference of Edo people for a candidate they are familiar with, dismissing Ighodalo’s candidacy on the grounds that he is not a local.
“The option is for the PDP not to go and argue against my candidacy. If they do that, PDP will lose Edo State. Edo people do not want Asue Ighodalo to be the governor of Edo State because he is not a homeboy they know,” Shaibu asserted.
He further underscored the significance of his candidacy, highlighting the unanimous support he claims to have garnered from other aspirants within the party. Shaibu challenged the party leadership to uphold his candidacy, warning of potential repercussions if they contest it in court.
Shaibu criticized the primary that resulted in Ighodalo’s victory, alleging bias and impropriety in its organization by the state party executive. He reiterated his assertion of being elected by the authentic delegates of the party, insinuating that the rival primary was orchestrated to favor Ighodalo.
Meanwhile, Shaibu acknowledged strains in his relationship with Governor Godwin Obaseki, hinting at his gubernatorial ambitions as a possible cause. Despite this, Shaibu remains steadfast in his commitment to his candidacy and to the PDP, positioning himself as the candidate with the strongest connection to the people of Edo State.