Shaibu vows to secure Edo PDP governorship ticket for 2024 poll

Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, says he is confident of securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in September 2024 governorship election in the state.

Shaibu made this known on Tuesday during an interview with Channels TV programme Sunrise Daily.

He said his decision to contest was not based on personal interest, but on the need to protect the destiny of Edo and its people.

He also said his senatorial zone deserved to produce the governor, after the completion of the tenure of Godwin Obaseki, the current governor and his political ally.

“No human can stop me from contesting the election. It is the turn of my senatorial zone to produce the governor of the state,” Shaibu said.

“The destiny of Edo is at stake and destinies are connected. We need an Edo state and a Nigeria where we, the people of Nigeria, can decide.”

Shaibu assured his supporters that his name and the party would be on the ballot, saying he had done his homework and consulted widely.

“I can assure you that I will secure the ticket and my name and the party will be on the ballot. Nothing will happen because my name will be there,” he said.

“My name will be sent to INEC and I will be the candidate for the party in the election because I don’t do things without checking. I have gone round and consulted and I have been assured.”

Shaibu, who has served as deputy governor since 2016, said he had gained valuable experience in governance and administration, working with former governors Oserheimen Osunbor and Adams Oshiomhole, as well as Obaseki.

He said his vision was to bring the government closer to the people and empower them through various sectors, such as sports, agriculture and civil service.

He said: “If elected governor, I will bring the government to the level of the people. In my years of experience in government and working with Oserheimen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole and the governor, I know what areas to improve.”

“My focus is not on myself. I have a lot of ideas about sports. With sports alone, we can reduce the unemployment level in the state.”

“There is also agriculture and integrating Edo civil servants into leadership positions through the capacity building which the governor started.”