Obaseki’s Candidate Set To Lose To APC In Edo Governorship Election

Obaseki’s Candidate Set To Lose To APC In Edo Governorship Election

As the governorship election draws close in Edo State, the race appears to be between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his estranged reinstated deputy, Philip Shaibu, rather than the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. In this interview with BIODUN BUSARI, the state APC Director of Media, Campaign Council, for the election, Mr Kassim Afegbua, speaks on the conditions of the state and the struggle to wrestle power from the ruling party, among other issues.

What do you make of the reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu’s statement that Governor Godwin Obaseki was why he joined the PDP and is back to the APC?

Philip Shaibu, reinstated by the court as the deputy governor of Edo State, should enjoy all the privileges of his office. The governor should extend these to him because Shaibu’s position is constitutionally protected, not dependent on the governor’s whims. Regardless of his defection to the APC, Shaibu deserves the full benefits of his office.

Can you confidently say that Shaibu’s benefits have been restored to him, including security details from the Inspector-General of Police, since the court reinstated him as deputy governor?

There is no doubt that he is the deputy governor and enjoys all related privileges. However, Governor Obaseki has shown reluctance to follow constitutional provisions and court verdicts. The governor’s combative and dictatorial behavior has led to the denial of some benefits to Shaibu. Despite the court’s decision, Shaibu faces challenges due to the governor’s tactics.

Can you tell us what the police and the APC in Edo State have been able to achieve in arresting those who killed a policeman during the attack on the convoy of the Edo APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo?

Following the tragic incident, we filed complaints with the police, who began an investigation. Some perpetrators were reportedly advised to leave the state by the government. Despite some arrests, the investigation continues. We have implicated the state Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, in the incident and petitioned higher authorities for action.

In the 2022 Edo governorship election, Governor Obaseki won without the support of his then-estranged godfather, Senator Adams Oshiomole. Don’t you think he will still win for his candidate Mr. Asue Ighodalo?

The scenario in 2020 differed significantly from 2024. In 2020, some APC members sabotaged the process out of sentiment for Obaseki. This time, Governor Obaseki’s administration has shown poor performance, and Edo people are dissatisfied. Issues such as flooding, poor education, and healthcare, and mismanagement of funds have plagued his tenure.

Is it true that the APC has been planning to manipulate the governorship election in Edo as the PDP alleged?

The PDP’s allegations are unfounded. During previous local government elections, Obaseki manipulated the process. We are confident of winning in a free and fair election due to Obaseki’s poor performance record.

Has Shaibu told the APC of his ambition of becoming the governor in the future because he recently said in the US that he is young enough to become a governor in Edo?

Currently, our focus is on making Edo an APC state to align with the Federal Government for infrastructural development. Obaseki’s leadership has failed, and we need a change to bring progress to Edo.

Do you think the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy will bring development at the grassroots level?

President Bola Tinubu’s support for local government autonomy is commendable. Local governments in Edo State have been underfunded due to the state’s control. With direct allocations, local governments can undertake projects and bring development, alleviating the current crises and improving governance.