Edo State Drama: Philip Shaibu Speaks Out On Supporting Godwin Obaseki

Why Philip Shaibu Backed Godwin Obaseki Despite His Doubts

In a surprising twist, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has opened up about the real reasons behind his decision to support his former boss, Godwin Obaseki. In a candid interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm program, Shaibu revealed that his backing wasn’t driven by faith in Obaseki’s leadership but rather out of respect for Adams Oshiomhole, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Naija News, this revelation came during a heartfelt discussion where Shaibu aired his long-standing concerns about Obaseki’s leadership style. He admitted that his doubts about Obaseki were present even before the duo assumed office on November 12, 2016. “I never bought into Obaseki’s vision from day one,” Shaibu confessed. “But you know what? Adams Oshiomhole had a way of convincing people, and he had a plan. He painted a picture of what we needed in Edo State, and I trusted him enough to give it a shot.”

Philip Shaibu’s Honest Take on Obaseki’s Leadership

Shaibu didn’t hold back when discussing his feelings about Obaseki. He bluntly stated, “Obaseki isn’t a politician. We made him governor, but honestly, Oshiomhole was the one who convinced us. I wasn’t on board with the idea, but I respected Adams enough to give it a try.” Shaibu went on to explain that the decision to support Obaseki was based on Oshiomhole’s assurances that Edo State needed someone with an economic background and private-sector experience, especially since the country was heading into a recession.

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“We believed in Oshiomhole’s vision, not Obaseki’s,” Shaibu emphasized. “We dismantled our entire political structure to give Obaseki a chance, trusting that his leadership would align with the broader goals set by Oshiomhole. But as it turned out, the second term was a completely different story. It was all about godfatherism, and that’s where things started to fall apart.”

The First Term vs. The Second Term: A Tale of Two Eras

Reflecting on their time in office, Shaibu painted a vivid picture of the stark contrast between the first and second terms. He explained that during the first term, there was a sense of unity and shared purpose, driven by Oshiomhole’s vision. However, the second term was marred by internal conflicts and power struggles, which ultimately led to the breakdown of their working relationship.

“In the first term, we gave Obaseki everything—our resources, our networks, our support—all because we believed in what Oshiomhole was trying to achieve. But when the second term rolled around, everything changed. It became all about control and power, and that’s when the cracks began to show. It was a different ball game entirely, and it wasn’t the Edo State we had envisioned,” Shaibu lamented.

As tensions continue to mount in Edo State, Shaibu’s candid remarks shed light on the complex dynamics at play within the state’s political landscape. His honesty serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between trust, respect, and power in the world of politics.