In a recent interview with Arise TV, Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, did not hold back his feelings about the recent governorship election results, which saw Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge victorious. Shaibu’s comments came in the wake of the election outcome, where he expressed a sense of vindication, particularly highlighting Governor Godwin Obaseki’s failure to win in his own local government area.
Shaibu’s tone was both triumphant and critical as he reflected on the election results. “I feel vindicated; even the governor couldn’t win his local government. I won my unit, ward, and local government,” he asserted, emphasizing the contrast between his performance and that of Obaseki. He went on to challenge the governor’s electoral history, claiming that Obaseki has consistently relied on the support of others to achieve his victories in past elections.
The Deputy Governor’s remarks seem to underline a deeper rift between him and the outgoing governor. Despite his mockery, Shaibu maintained that he holds no personal grudge against Obaseki. Instead, he focused on the broader implications of the election results, asserting that the APC’s triumph validated his political standing and ability to win votes independently. “Where are the governor’s results? He has never won; we always assisted him,” Shaibu claimed, positioning himself as a key player in the political landscape of Edo State.
In what appeared to be a call for accountability, Shaibu urged Obaseki to apologize to the people of Edo State for his electoral shortcomings. “What is left now is for him to go back and start begging and apologizing to the people of Edo State,” he stated, emphasizing that there are many constituents who deserve acknowledgment for the governor’s failures.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo the winner with a total of 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata trailed significantly with 22,763 votes. Notably, Obaseki’s loss in Oredo Local Government Area—his own political stronghold—has further fueled speculation about his governance and electoral strategy.
As the political landscape in Edo State shifts with this recent election, the dynamics between Shaibu and Obaseki are likely to evolve. Shaibu’s pointed remarks highlight not just personal victory but also the shifting allegiances and power structures within the state’s political scene. As the APC celebrates its success, the party will need to capitalize on this momentum to fulfill the promises made during the campaign, aiming for meaningful change and development in Edo State.
