Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has given reasons why he wants to be the Governor of Edo State.

Shaibu who is having a not too rosy relationship with the Governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki said it is only when people want to whip up sentiments out of ignorance and perceived incompetence, that they come up with ethnic and religious sentiments.

Quoting his words, Shaibu said " We had four Governors from Edo South, two from Edo Central and only one came from Edo North. When you look at the PDP, the party has never given its Governorship ticket to any candidate from Edo North. If I get the ticket of the PDP, I will be the first candidate of the PDP from Edo North since 1999". 

“Anyhow you look at it, equity and fairness show that Edo North should produce the next Governor.  If I become governor, I won’t be governor of Afenmai. I will be Governor of Edo State". 

Continuing, the youthful Deputy Governor said “I saw when Oserheimen Osunbor was Governor, I saw when Adams Oshiomhole was Governor and I work with Obaseki as Governor. I know the mistakes of them all. I also know the things that were beneficial to Edo State that Osunbor, Oshiomhole and Obaseki did. We will amplify the good things and not repeat the mistakes. You can only do this if you are a part of the system.”

Although, the rift between Obaseki and Shaibu is far from over with the Governor reportedly rooting for an aspirant of Edo Central extraction, Shaibu said the PDP is the party on which platform he hopes to realize his ambition.

His words, “I am still consulting and in the coming days, the outcome of my consultation will be made public. My first option is PDP, second option is PDP and the third is PDP. PDP wants to win the election and if it must win the election, the party must listen to the voice of the people. I have told them that I am a PDP member and am sure I will get the PDP ticket. They are mobilizing for me to get the ticket. They have told me some parties I should not go to, but I won’t reveal that to you now. They have told me a particular party I must not go to.

“I am a street man and even the Governor will attest to the fact that I always preach the street message. I bring the street perspective to all our conversations. If I get the PDP ticket, the people will see my street credibility. I am not going into governorship to build estates. The only estate I owe my children is their education.”