Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a native of Edo State, has voiced his unease regarding the gubernatorial aspirations of Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

Obaseki expressed his reservations during an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, highlighting his concerns about the candidacy of Shaibu….CONTINUE READING

Obaseki asserted that it is disconcerting to consider Shaibu as a successor to the governorship when his senatorial district has already been represented by Adams Oshiomhole, the immediate past governor.

The state is divided into three senatorial districts, with Oshiomhole hailing from Iyamho in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. Significantly, Shaibu also originates from Iyamho in Etsako Local Government Area within Edo North Senatorial district.

He elaborated, “Adams Oshiomhole is officially Philip’s father in a way, as Philip’s father adopted Adams when he was 15 years old in Kaduna. They are effectively brothers, with Adams being adopted by Philip’s father, who was a pastor at the ECWA church.”

Presently, the incumbent governor hails from Edo South, which constitutes the majority of the state’s population at 60 percent and covers more than 70 percent of its territory.

Edo Central, however, has never produced a governor, aside from a brief term of Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor. Obaseki emphasized the need for equity and fairness, suggesting that Shaibu’s candidacy might not align with these principles.

Obaseki expressed discomfort with the idea of Shaibu pursuing the governorship due to the seemingly homogeneous nature of Edo.

He likened the situation to his own hypothetical bid for governorship while his elder brother occupies the same position and is transitioning out of office. This, he noted, could potentially create tensions and complications within the political landscape.