Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of intimidation and harassment over his decision to contest the 2024 governorship election. 

Shaibu, who is running for governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, made the remarks on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday.

He expressed disappointment that Obaseki has not engaged in open communication with him and other potential aspirants regarding his preferred successor. 

“Possibly, maybe he (Obaseki) wants somebody else. In a situation like that, what you do is not intimidation, it is not harassment; you call a family together, you call all of us (aspirants) together and give us reasons why you feel certain things should be. Tell us what you want. You don’t intimidate, you don’t harass.

“If I am governor tomorrow and my deputy wants to contest, he has the right to contest. If I want to support somebody else, I also have the right to support somebody else, not intimidation.

“No conversation and then the next thing is intimidation and harassment, not to somebody that has sacrificed for the government,” he noted.

The deputy governor criticized Obaseki’s supporters for failing to distinguish between loyalty and constitutional rights. 

“It’s my cross I am carrying and that is why I have refused. I don’t need to fight. I am loyal to the governor; it’s not disputed but my right to contest is mine. Loyalty is given and it is fully given even with the humiliations and everything I am still loyal but when it comes to contest, it is my constitutional right,” he said.

He emphasized that he has endured humiliation and challenges while remaining loyal to the governor but will not be deterred from pursuing his political ambitions.

Shaibu called upon Obaseki to act as a leader and treat all potential successors fairly, avoiding preferential treatment and causing division. 

He expressed hope for a reconciliation but remains determined to pursue his governorship bid.