Just In : Edo Deputy Governor, Shaibu Joins Governorship Race, To Flag Off ‘Generation Next People’s Movement’
In a move that has been anticipated with bated breath, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu, is set to officially kick-start his campaign for the nomination as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state. According to multiple trusted sources, this development signals the commencement of Comrade Shaibu’s ambitious ‘Generation Next People’s Movement.’
It’s worth noting that the political landscape in Edo State has been nothing short of tumultuous, particularly with regards to the succession plan. Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Shaibu, have engaged in a very public and heated disagreement over this matter, even resorting to legal action.
This escalated to the Federal High Court in Abuja as Shaibu sought to challenge Obaseki’s alleged impeachment plans. However, as a gesture of reconciliation, the deputy governor later withdrew the case from court, signaling an attempt to find common ground with Obaseki.
Throughout this ordeal, Nigerians were treated to a series of dramatic incidents. On two separate occasions, security personnel prevented Shaibu from accessing Governor Obaseki during a church service commemorating Edo State’s 32nd anniversary.
The following day, Obaseki’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Andrew Okungbowa, barred Comrade Shaibu’s Press Crew from entering the venue of Edo State’s 32 Colloquium. This led to the deputy governor walking out of the event in protest, and in response, Governor Obaseki disbanded Shaibu’s media crew.
The situation took a further downward spiral when Obaseki relocated his deputy from his official office within the Edo State Government House to a makeshift building located about 1000 meters away from the precinct of Dennis Osadebey Avenue.
Amidst this political turmoil, the birth of the ‘Generation Next People’s Movement’ is aimed at echoing the longstanding “No godfatherism” political mantra that was initially championed in Edo State in 2007.
The movement represents Comrade Shaibu’s determination to bring a new wave of leadership and governance to the state as he embarks on his gubernatorial campaign. However, it remains to be seen how this race for the PDP nomination and the eventual election in 2024 will unfold in a state known for its political dynamism and intrigues.
