Obaseki An ‘Unknown’ Politician, I Added Value To Him – Shaibu

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has accused his principal, Godwin Obaseki of betrayal over the latter’s refusal to back his candidature in the upcoming 2024 governorship election.

Shaibu who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday morning, claimed that he was persuaded to be the deputy governor to Obaseki.

He said Obaseki was unknown and not one of the politicians in the state at that time.

He said he added value to Obaseki’s government in terms of political structure and finances.

He maintained that he was hurt that Obaseki was supporting an outsider instead of him.

He said, “Actually, I was persuaded and there was no protest. I actually 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 that has won election before and that can add political value to the ticket,” he said.

Speaking on his perceived betrayal, he said, “I feel betrayed by the governor. I feel very betrayed. When we go to church, there are certain biblical verses that are beginning 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.”