Edo deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, has expressed confidence that his principal and governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, will support him when he wins the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial ticket ahead of the governorship election in the state this year.
Shaibu, however, reiterated his commitment to unwavering loyalty to the incumbent governor amidst speculations surrounding his intention to contest in the forthcoming elections.
Shaibu addressed concerns about potential conflicts arising from his political aspirations, emphasizing his steadfast allegiance to the governor.
Acknowledging the tension surrounding his decision to contest, Shaibu affirmed his dedication to maintaining a loyal stance towards the governor, citing a vow to uphold support and respect for the governorship position regardless of personal ambitions.
While acknowledging the governor’s support for another candidate, Asue Ighodalo, Shaibu emphasized his constitutional right to pursue candidacy without conflicting with his loyalty to the governor.
He told a national newspaper: ”There was tension over my intention to contest; that is true, but like a loyal deputy, I will never fight my governor. I promise and I took a vow with my God that I will be loyal to my governor to the end. Even in the midst of harassment and intimidation, I have held on to that vow.
”Yes, he has a candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who he is supporting. He has the right to support him, but I also have the right to contest, and that is the reason for the conflict.
”His people are making the mistake of thinking that my contesting the election is disloyalty. My loyalty remains, and if you check, in spite of the intimidation, I have never said any negative thing about my governor because the Office of the Governor must be respected at all times.
”But we have to separate my ambition that is constitutionally guaranteed from loyalty; they are two separate things.
”I know by the grace of God that the governor will support me by the time I get the ticket because he has publicly declared that my fate is in the hands of PDP, so I know my governor will support me because PDP will give me the ticket.”
