Ahead of Edo 2024 governorship race, a political pressure group, weekend, urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to look within his cabinet for a successor in order to continue and sustain his development agenda.
The group under the aegis of Edo Democratic Watch (EDW), argued that their position was informed by the need to sustain the successes achieved by the Obaseki-led administration.
It specifically asked the deputy governor, Hon Phillip Shaibu, rumoured to be interested in succeeding his boss to declare to contest for the governorship race.
The coordinator of the group, Imade Joseph in a statement made available to newsmen said Shaibu over the years has shown capacity, experience, intellectual acumen and political dexterity in stabilising the state noting that Edo is in a hurry to attain developmental heights and cannot afford an inexperienced person that will come and learn the rudiments of governance on the job.
“The deputy governor in our estimation has played a pivotal role in stabilising the present government and looking at his political antecedent he is well positioned to succeed Obaseki. He is a stabilising factor to the key achievements of this government,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources close to the deputy governor said Shaibu has been under immense pressure to contest the 2024 governorship election. The source noted that different support groups at home and in the diaspora have offered to purchase the governorship nomination form and present to him at the right time.
When asked about agitation that Edo Central should produce Obaseki’s successor, the source said, “ There is nothing like it is the turn of Edo Central, Edo North or South. As we speak a lot of notable politicians even from Edo Central are urging the deputy to run. I think we should be guided by the constitution on this matter.”
As at the time of filing this report, it is not clear whether the deputy governor will cave in to pressure to contest the governorship election. Attempt to get the reaction of his chief press secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, proved abortive.
