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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has declared his intention to contest the 2024 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Shaibu made his declaration in a pre-recorded video aired at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City, on Monday morning.
The deputy governor, who noted that hw is unstoppable, said he would run for the number one office as a home boy.
After his official declaration, Shaibu launched his campaign office in Benin City, the state capital.The event was attended by party supporters in branded accoutrements.
“After all the consultation we have made, we needed to now make the answer to our consultation known to our people. And the answer is clear: they have asked me to run,” Shaibu said.
The 53-year-old politician said he has put his life on the line for the development and growth of the state and he was determined to make the South South state great again.
Shaibu, who has been having a running battle with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, over his political ambition, said though he was persecuted, he was not crushed.
The deputy governor is from Edo North Senatorial District, the same district with the immediate past governor of the state and current lawmaker representing the district in the 10th National Assembly, Adams Oshiomhole.
To succeed Obaseki, Shaibu will first contend with other PDP aspirants for the party’s ticket. If he wins, the deputy governor will slug it out with other gladiators on September 21, 2024, the date fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold the governorship election.