Obaseki Accuses Deputy of Plot to Succeed Him

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has accused his deputy, Philip Shaibu, of harbouring plans to unseat him and become the next governor of the state in the upcoming 2024 governorship election.

Obaseki made these allegations in a video posted by AIT, addressing the ongoing dispute between him and Shaibu.

According to Obaseki, Shaibu’s ambition to become the next governor has led him to run a parallel government within their administration. The governor revealed that the rift between them escalated due to issues such as the nomination of commissioners and the selection of the speaker for the House of Assembly.

Obaseki recounted that Shaibu approached the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, expressing his desire to collaborate with APC members to produce the next speaker for the House of Assembly. The governor perceived this move as undermining his authority and loyalty, leading him to realize that their working relationship had deteriorated.

Furthermore, Obaseki disclosed that he had advised Shaibu to focus on his duties as deputy governor and put his gubernatorial ambitions on hold. He expressed his concern that Shaibu’s eagerness for power was hindering their collaborative efforts to govern the state effectively.

The rift between Obaseki and Shaibu has gained attention, with the deputy governor seeking legal protection against an imminent impeachment and removal from office. A federal court directed both parties to maintain the status quo until the case is resolved.

As the political dynamics in Edo State continue to evolve, the allegations made by Governor Obaseki against his deputy underscore the complexities of power struggles within political circles.