REVEALED – Why Obaseki Refused To Endorse Shaibu As Successor
Reasons have been uncovered for Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki’s refusal to endorse his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, as his preferred successor
It has been revealed that Governor Obaseki is opposed to having his successor come from Edo North senatorial district, which is also the hometown of his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole. Shaibu is from the same Estako extraction as Oshiomhole and the Minister-designate, Abubakar Momoh, in Edo North.
Sources indicate that Obaseki aims to maintain a balanced power arrangement in the state by ensuring that his successor comes from Edo Central or other parts of Edo North senatorial district.
Asue Ighodalo has been identified as the person Governor Obaseki favors to succeed him.
Aside from the power balancing issue, Governor Obaseki doubts if Shaibu would continue with the development plans outlined in his 30-year vision for the state.
Shaibu’s possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was suspected when he attended Oshiomhole’s inauguration party in Abuja without clearance from Obaseki. This fueled suspicions and strained the relationship between the two.
Shaibu’s handling of revenue generation also raised concerns, leading to its removal from the office of the Deputy Governor, as Obaseki deemed him unfit for the responsibility.
Regarding the suit filed by Shaibu to protect against an alleged impeachment plot, the source believes it is a tactic to force Governor Obaseki’s support and keep his position even after defecting to the APC.
Governor Obaseki has put protocols in place, including requiring prior notice before Shaibu visits his office and ensuring Shaibu is denied entry to State Executive Council meetings when late.
Shaibu’s lack of endorsement from his boss has stalled his formal declaration for the 2024 governorship race, but he is yet to officially announce his intentions. Several aides close to Shaibu refused to comment on the issue, but it is believed that he plans to contest for the governorship regardless
