Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has vowed to defeat the anointed candidate of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the governorship election in the state next year.
Shaibu made the declaration while appearing on a TVC programme on Monday evening. He said he had the backing of the people of the state and would not be deterred by Obaseki’s attempts to impose his will on the electorate.
“Definitely, I will defeat the so-called candidate of the governor, not because I have the power, but because Edo people want their own and I am their own. Edo people do not want importation; they want their own,” Shaibu said.
He accused Obaseki of allowing certain individuals with vested interests in governance to come between them. He also criticised Obaseki’s management style.
“The problem I have with the governor is that he has allowed certain individuals that have interest in governance to come between us,” Shaibu said. “He is managing in his own style and the way he feels he can manage it. I am also managing it the way I feel I can manage it.”
Shaibu said he understood the intimidation and oppression he had faced from Obaseki and his allies, but he remained undeterred.
“When I said I was pressed, but not distressed, I understand the kind of intimidation and oppression I have gone through,” he said.
