Power Struggle In Edo! Obaseki And Shaibu’s Political Rift Deepens Ahead Of November Handover

As the November 12 handover day looms, there is speculation that the rift may continue beyond the current administration. Obaseki, who has been “resting” in Lagos after his party’s loss in the September 21 governorship election, is expected to travel out of the country after his annual leave is approved. The bad blood between him and Shaibu has been evident since last year when the deputy governor began making political moves that did not align with Obaseki’s interests, culminating in Shaibu’s public declaration of his governorship ambition.

The feud has also exposed the unpredictable nature of political alliances in Nigeria. The once close relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu, who together fought against former governor Adams Oshiomhole, has disintegrated beyond repair. With Shaibu’s continued involvement in state matters, like his recent inspection of ongoing projects, it remains unclear how this conflict will evolve, but the effects of their discord are being felt across Edo State as citizens watch the fallout with keen interest.