Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has announced his candidacy for the 2024 gubernatorial election.
He announced his declaration on Monday morning, in a televised statement.
The deputy governor expressed his intention to contest for the Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket in the upcoming primaries in an official announcement.
Shaibu has been the deputy governor of the state since 2016.
After his official declaration, Shaibu opened his campaign office in Benin City, the state capital. The event attracted numerous party supporters, all dressed in branded accoutrements.
“The project for me to be the governor of Edo State is not just mine; it’s a collective one. We have decided in Edo State that the original boy, 100 per cent, has to be the governor of Edo State.
“After all the consultations we have made, we needed to now make the answer to our consultation known to our people. And the answer is clear: they have asked me to run,” he said.
Earlier, Shaibu found himself at odds with Obaseki, as the latter is reportedly unwilling to support his deputy’s gubernatorial ambition.
Shaibu is from Edo North Senatorial District, the same district as ex-governor of the state and current lawmaker representing the district in the 10th National Assembly, Adams Oshiomhole.
Many believed he should not joined the race given the general feeling that the next governor should emerge from Edo Central.
However, the 53-year-old politician said he has put his life on the line for the development and growth of the state and he was determined to make the South-South state great again.
