Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State, has given an explanation for his decision to oppose his former deputy Philip Shaibu’s bid for governor.
He claimed that because Shaibu’s chances of succeeding him were poor, he declined to support him.
According to Obaseki, Shaibu was not favoured to become the state’s leader due to political machinations in the South-South state.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Obaseki stated that he had to defend the Edo people and could not take the chance of supporting Shaibu to succeed him.
The governor went on, saying he needed to “keep the Edo people safe.” I therefore had to decline that risk with the Edo people.
“It was obvious that the odds were not in his favour to succeed me, and I made it very clear,” he stated, adding that he did not understand the source of his ambition.
Hence, I was unable to take any chances with his desire because I had to defend the Edo people. I therefore had to decline that risk with the Edo people.
Former comrades Shaibu and Obaseki broke up when the latter announced his desire to run for state governor.
The Edo State House of Assembly later impeached the former deputy governor for disclosing confidential government information.
