Shuaibu Dares Obaseki Declears For 2024 Edo Governorship Race

In Clear Defiance Against governor Obaseki Position,  the Deputy Governor  Of Edo state, Comrade Philip Shuaibu has  decleared for the 2024 Edo Governorship Race .

Shaibu made the declaration today in Benin City at the Bishop Kelly Pastoria Center after several attempt by Obaseki's loyalist to abort it .

 The Deputy Governor has earlier book Eternor  Hotel in Benin City for the event which was also booked by Obaseki's Finishing Well Group.

The Event was then moved to Bishop Kelly Pastoria Center 7am this morning before Obaseki's loyalist could get wind of It.

 Delivering his speech,  the Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shuaibu said , "  I stand  before you with great conviction and resolve, as I declare my intention to run for the office of the Governor of Edo State under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming 2024 election and I am confident that with your support, we can take Edo State to even greater heights."

With these words, Edo State deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, Monday declared his intention to seek the PDP ticket in the February governorship primary of the party, brushing off stiff opposition from Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The event was nearly marred by a shift in the venue of the ceremony which was originally scheduled to hold at a popular hotel located in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of the Edo State capital, the property of a top politician who lost his contest in the just concluded election.

In an emotion laden speech at the new venue, Comrade Shaibu who was accompanied by his wife, Maryanne and hordes of gaily dressed party supporters, decked in branded baseball caps and t-shirts, promised that his campaign will be built upon five core pillars, each vital to the transformation and prosperity of Edo State.

       PDP supporters with Mrs Shaibu, Chief                         Okomayin (second right) at the declaration

Reeling out his achievements as Edo State number two citizens in the last seven years, from a steep increase in internally generated revenue to being in the forefront of efforts to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, the promotion of Bendel Insurance Football Club to the premiership and taking charge of the rescue mission against kidnappers of train passengers at Igueben amongst others, he insisted that the declaration was not just a political affair but a call to destiny; a call to become the heartbeat of the nation, not just in words but indeed.

He waxed philosophical: "I have fought the good fight for you my people, Along the way, suffered humiliations and enjoyed many moments of victory but I am thankful in all things. 

"I have been pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, badly hurt but not destroyed. I resonate with the tireless and irrepressible Spirit of the Edo People. By the grace of God, nothing and no one can stop us. After all, I be original Edo son…100% home boy."

He listed the five pillars of his campaign agenda as infrastructural development and economic diversification; education, sports, skills development and job creation; healthcare and social welfare systems; agriculture rural development and poverty alleviation; security, environmental sustainability and transparent governance.

While playing up his credentials as a homeboy who lived with Edo masses, Comrade Shaibu recalled that ever since his foray into partisan politics three decades ago, he has lived among them and they have loved him as their very own son. 

Hr said: "I have felt your pains at close quarters, sat with the elders to benefit from their words of wisdom, led the youth in many struggles for their rights, visibility and freedom, learned the intricacies of modern governance and built adequate service capacity.

"My dear People of Edo State, this declaration is not just a political affair. It’s a call to destiny; a call to become the heartbeat of this nation, not just in words but indeed."

He continued: "Therefore, I humbly seek your support, your trust, and your nomination in this upcoming election, as we embark on this journey together; united in our determination to make Edo State a better place for ourselves and generations to come."