Politics
Why I Want To Succeed Gov Obaseki – Shaibu
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has said that the need to implement practical governance to address the developmental challenges of the state informed his decision to vie for the governorship election slated for 2024.
Shaibu stated this on Saturday at a media parley with the Edo State Journalists Forum in Abuja.
According to him, experience, capacity, and knowledge are some of the factors that separate him from anyone desirous of succeeding Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose second tenure in office comes to an end next year.
Despite clamour for power to return to Edo Central Senatorial District after almost 16 years after it rotated between Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki, Shaibu said there is no convention or agreement that speaks on zoning, adding that since the return to democracy in 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party was yet to give its governorship ticket to any aspirant from Edo North.
He said, “Edo people are in dire need of practical governance, and we cannot afford to experiment again with someone who does not understand the politics and needs of Edo State.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Obaseki Accepts Shaibu’s Apology, Says To Err Is Human, To Forgive Divine
“Everywhere, including the international scene, people are clamouring that governments should not be pushing projects that are not needed. So, we need to do Needs Assessment. You cannot know the needs of the people when you don’t live with them. For me, competence and experience should be the watchword. Who is competent, more experienced and who will hit the ground running from day one if he becomes Governor? Are we going to experiment with a new person again and the person will spend the first four years learning on the job and the next four years trying to embezzle and set up businesses in the name of consolidating on his first term?
“I have been in the system. I understand the debt profile of Edo State and I know where I can get funding to put up structures in the State. I am not coming to learn on the job. I am not coming to experiment. The problem we have had in the system is that we have had too many seminars, workshops but there is no time to implement the outcome of these seminars.”
Dismissing the notion that he is bent on succeeding Governor Obaseki at all cost, the Deputy Governor said, “I am not insisting on contesting. The ambition of becoming Deputy Governor was not mine but I made myself available. The ambition to be Governor is still not mine but I am only making myself available. Don’t forget that the destinies of the people are connected and interwoven.
“There is no convention in Edo State on the issue of zoning, politically, traditionally or at conferences where we met to say this is how we want to have our politics zoned.”
On whether it is the turn of Edo Central which last produced a Governor in 2007, Mr Shaibu said, “If you check out those that have been Governors in Edo State, there is nowhere you will see the issue of zoning. We had four Governors from Edo South, two from Edo Central and only one from Edo North. When you look at the PDP, the party has never given its Governorship ticket to any candidate from Edo North. If I get the ticket of the PDP, I will be the first candidate of the PDP from Edo North since 1999.
“Anyhow you look at it, equity and fairness show that Edo North should produce the next Governor. When people want to whip up sentiments out of ignorance and perceived incompetence, they come up with ethnic and religious sentiments. If I become governor, I won’t be governor of Afenmai. I will be Governor of Edo State.
“I saw when Oserheimen Osunbor was Governor, I saw when Adams Oshiomhole was Governor and I work with Obaseki as Governor. I know the mistakes of them all. I also know the things that were beneficial to Edo State that Osunbor, Oshiomhole and Obaseki did. We will amplify the good things and not repeat the mistakes. You can only do this if you are a part of the system.”
READ ALSO: Edo: Phillip Shaibu Moves Out Of Govt House Despite Withdrawing Suit Against Obaseki
Although, the rift between Obaseki and Shaibu is far from over with the Governor reportedly rooting for an aspirant of Edo Central extraction, Shaibu said the PDP is the party on which platform he hopes to realize his ambition.
His words, “I am still consulting and in the coming days, the outcome of my consultation will be made public. My first option is PDP, second option is PDP and the third is PDP. PDP wants to win the election and if it must win the election, the party must listen to the voice of the people. I have told them that I am a PDP member and am sure I will get the PDP ticket. They are mobilizing for me to get the ticket. They have told me some parties I should not go to, but I won’t reveal that to you now. They have told me a particular party I must not go to.
“I am a street man and even the Governor will attest to the fact that I always preach the street message. I bring the street perspective to all our conversations. If I get the PDP ticket, the people will see my street credibility. I am not going into governorship to build estates. The only estate I owe my children is their education.”
In what appeared a shot fired in the direction of Obaseki whose background in banking is an open secret, the Deputy Governor added, “Those who know me know that I am not a friend to bankers. I have sunk boreholes, renovated many schools with private monies as Deputy Governor. I have built churches and mosques. I am not an advocate of keeping money in the banks. I have conscience, I am a Catholic.”
You may like
Obaseki, Shaibu In Verbal War Over Alleged Looting Of Edo Govt Properties
Edo Govt, Shaibu’s Camp Exchange Words Over Alleged Plot To Invade Govt House
Shaibu: Why Appeal Court Dismissed Edo Assembly’s Appeal
Again, Reinstated Edo Deputy Gov, Shaibu, Hits Obaseki
VIDEO: Reinstated Edo Deputy Gov Resumes Duty, Directs Staff To Follow Suit
Edo 2024: Appeal Court’s CTC Judgment Confirms Ighodalo As PDP’s Candidate, Slams Fine On Shaibu
Politics
PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket To South
Published
11 hours agoon
August 25, 2025By
Editor
The Peoples Democratic Party’s 102nd National Executive Committee meeting has resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while retaining the existing National Working Committee zoning formula for the November elective convention.
Addressing journalists after the NEC meeting in Abuja on Monday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, disclosed that the decision followed the presentation of a report by the Zoning Committee chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
Recall that during the 2023 elections, the PDP threw its presidential ticket open, leading to the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its candidate.
However, some southern leaders, led by then Rivers State Governor and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, opposed him over what they saw as an unfair power-sharing arrangement for the South.
READ ALSO:Prove You Are Not Terrorist Organisations, Falana Challenges APC, PDP
In the end, the PDP candidate lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
After declaring the zoning arrangement, Ologunagba added that the NEC also expressed satisfaction over the level of preparedness of the PDP’s various organs, Chapters and structures for the 2025 Elective National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital on Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th November 2025.
Ologunagba, while reading the 102nd NEC communiqué, said the meeting commended the efforts of PDP governors, Board of Trustees, NWC, National Assembly caucus, and other party organs toward the success of the 2025 National Convention.
The communique read in part, “NEC received and after extensive deliberation approved the report of the National Convention Zoning Committee which recommended that all PDP National Office positions currently in the Northern Region of the country remain in the Northern Region.
READ ALSO:Anenih’s Son Dumps PDP, Gives Reason
“That all PDP National Office positions currently in the Southern Region of the country remain in the Southern Region.
“That having retained the position of the National Chairman in the Northern Region of the country, the Presidential Candidate of the Party for the 2027 General Election is hereby zoned to the Southern Region.
“That the Regions should immediately micro-zone positions within its Region for implementation.
“NEC also received an update from the PDP Constitution Amendment Committee and directed the Committee to circulate the Draft Constitution Amendment to various Organs and Chapters of the Party for further inputs.”
Ologunagba said NEC confirmed Umar Damagum as substantive National Chairman, effective Monday, August 25, 2025, in recognition of his role in stabilising the party, pending the National Convention.
READ ALSO:PDP Announces National Convention Zoning Committee Inauguration Date
He continued, “NEC condemns the resort by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to State Capture through state-backed intimidation, manipulation, inducement, coercion and violence against Nigerians as witnessed in APC’s muzzling of the recent bye-elections in parts of the country.
“NEC particularly expressed dismay and condemned the militarisation of the recent bye-elections especially in Kaduna and Taraba States as well as Zamfara State where excessive security agencies were deployed in the conduct of the run-off election in only five Polling Units in Kaura Namoda South State Constituency.
“NEC declares that this action by the APC is a confirmation of the APC’s desire to turn our country into a totalitarian One-Party State which is a clear and present danger to democracy and the corporate existence of our country.
“NEC reassures Nigerians of PDP’s commitment to Democracy and the defense of the interest and well-being of all citizens as we work hard to further reposition our Party to regain power in 2027.”
Politics
Why APC Candidates Contested 2023 LG Election Despite Intimidation — State Chairman
Published
14 hours agoon
August 25, 2025By
Editor
The Edo State Chairman
of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, has explained why his party did not boycott the 2023 local government council election in the state despite intimidation and obvious efforts to compromise the exercise by the then government.
He said the party allowed its candidates to contest the local government election in order to gather momentum for the governorship election which was some months away as at then.
Tenebe spoke on Monday when he received the chairmanship candidates of the APC in that election at the party secretariat, Benin City, where he assured them that their labour would not be in vain.
He commended them for their determination, confidence and belief in the party despite being in an opposition at that time contesting against an incumbent government led by former governor Godwin Obaseki.
READ ALSO: Why Peter Obi Must Get Security Clearance Before Coming To Edo — APC Chair, Tenebe
Tenebe said “People never believed that APC should contest that election but I believed that we should enable us to gather momentum for the governorship election which was coming then.
“Consultations began with party leaders and we all later agreed that the party should contest that election which was keenly contested.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Godwin Obaseki wrote the results of that election.
“You people did your best in the election and campaigned vigorously for senator Monday Okpebholo to win the governorship election in the state.
READ ALSO:Opposition Will Collapse In Edo Before 2027, Says Okpebholo
“You work hard to ensure APC win the governorship election as that is the only way your stolen mandate will be returned.
“The party will stand with you and not allow your labour to be in vain. The party will not allow you to work alone as the party will work with you. The governor is very much aware of your support”.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Enahoro Aikpokpo said they contested at a very difficult time to keep the party alive despite the intimidation and challenges they faced.
He called on the party to consider them and give them the right of first refusal as they are interested in the forthcoming local government election in the states.
Politics
[BREAKING] Edo: APC Suspends Ex-senatorial Aspirant Of Party
Published
20 hours agoon
August 25, 2025By
Editor
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has suspended a chieftain of the party and a former senatorial aspirant, Hon. Valentine Asuen.
A statement signed by State Party Publicity Secretary, Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, and Made available to journalists on Monday, said Asuen was suspended from the party in “accordance with the provisions of the APC Constitution 2022, as amended.”
The publicity secretary added that “this disciplinary action became necessary following his conduct, which runs contrary to the spirit of unity, loyalty, and collective progress enshrined in our constitution.”
According to Uwadiae-Igbinigie, “His actions have been deemed to amount to inciting division within the Party, thereby undermining the cohesion and discipline expected of every member.”
READ ALSO:
“In line with Article 21:2 (ii) & (v) of the Party Constitution 2022, as amended, such conduct constitutes a violation of the obligations of a member. Furthermore, as clearly stipulated in Article 21:5 (a), (c), (d), (e), (f) & (h), these infractions are punishable offences, warranting disciplinary measures including suspension.
“The APC remains committed to internal democracy, discipline, and the protection of its integrity. No act capable of destabilizing the Party or inciting disaffection amongst members will be condoned.
“Let it be clearly stated that all appointments made thus far by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, have been evenly distributed across the state, including Oredo Local Government Area, without any undue influence from the Party’s Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah,” the statement reads.
- Sports Commission Boss Commends Team Edo Athletes For Continental Triumph
- Enabulele Confident Of Team Edo’s Success At 2025 NYG
- PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília
- Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil
- Four Die, Three Injured In Delta Crash
- PDP Zones 2027 Presidential Ticket To South
- NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation
- Brazil Names Squad Without Neymar, Vinicius For World Cup Qualifiers [FULL LIST]
- OPINION: Death Of World’s Nicest Judge
- OPINION: ‘ADC Is A Mere Distraction’
Trending
- Metro4 days ago
Customs Seize N905m Rolls Royce, Other Contrabands In Ogun
- News4 days ago
BREAKING: FG, State, Local Governments Share N2.001trn July Revenue
- News5 days ago
JUST IN: Okpebholo Nominates Another 5 Persons As Commissioner-designates
- News5 days ago
Buhari Was Angel In Human Flesh – Bisi Akande
- Metro4 days ago
Village Youths Capture Bandit During Midnight Attack In Benue
- Metro4 days ago
Lagos Skit Maker Hacked To Death By Suspected Cultists
- News4 days ago
Benue Bans Nursery Graduations, Customised Textbooks In Schools
- Metro3 days ago
Edo Govt Demolishes Building Owned by Suspected Cultist
- News5 days ago
179 ASPs Disqualified As Police Promote 952 Officers
- News5 days ago
Monarch’s Suspension Sparks Crisis In Delta