The Peoples Democratic Party has appealed to the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, to resolve their differences and work together for the betterment of the state.

The party said it was worried that the rift between the two leaders had become public, with official letters from the state government being leaked to social media.

The PDP National Vice Chairman (South) and former chairman of the party in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday night titled, ‘Do not de-market PDP in Edo State.’

He was reacting to the ongoing crisis between Obaseki and Shuaibu, which had led to the relocation of the deputy governor’s office from the Government House on Monday.

An official letter of his relocation surfaced on social media. The letter, dated September 15, 2023, was received by a Permanent Secretary in the deputy governor’s office and acknowledged on Monday, September 18, 2023.

Orbih advised that Obaseki and his Deputy should put aside their personal grievances and focus on the governorship election slated for next year.

He said, “I have noticed with dismay, the sour relations between the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu and I urge both parties to show restraint in what they say or do in this unnecessary and prolonged crisis.

“We have had challenges in the past between party and government, but we have never allowed them to be subject to newspaper commentaries.

“The PDP is a strong brand in Edo State – a brand that has been built over the years by the dedication of leaders and loyal members of the party. This brand is now under serious threat by the current bitter battle between the Governor and Deputy-Governor.”