Philip Shaibu, Edo state’s deputy governor, has stated that he was persuaded to be Governor Godwin Obaseki’s running partner.
The deputy governor, who remarked during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, January 10, said he felt deceived by Obaseki for not supporting his candidacy in the approaching 2024 governorship race.
Shaibu, who fell out with the governor following his run for the upcoming 2024 governorship race, claimed he was pulled in to give political value to Obaseki, who then competed for governor.
According to him, it took almost one month to persuade him to accept the position of deputy governor.
“Actually, I was persuaded and there was no protest. I didn’t want to be a deputy governor. I was very comfortable in the House of Representatives. It took almost one month to get me to accept to be the deputy governor of Edo State.
“I accepted to add value to the ticket of Obaseki because Obaseki was not known and he was not one of the politicians. They needed a young, vibrant politician who had won the election before and who could add political value to the ticket.
“I feel betrayed by the governor. I feel much betrayed. When we go to church, there are certain biblical verses that are becoming to make meaning to me. There is this particular verse that has been going through my mind: ‘The heart of man is desperately wicked.’ When I see what the governor is doing, the verse now makes meaning to me.
“I added value in terms of my political structure, my finances. All the vehicles that were used to campaign in 2016 are mine.
“I lost about 20% of my political capital in Edo North to support Godwin Obaseki, and in supporting him even as deputy governor.
“I supported the second term bid of the governor with my finances. Including how we got the ticket of the PDP, I contributed financially, both in naira and in dollars. If I say betrayal, it’s an understatement. I feel very hurt and betrayed.”
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