Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has alleged that he is being intimidated for declaring his ambition to succeed his boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Shaibu, who has not been endorsed by Obaseki as his successor, complained that the allocation to his office has been withheld in the last five months, but that as the candidate to be, he would not be distracted.
Dismissing insinuations of a rift with his boss, he said he was only being threatened for declaring his bid.
“I’m sure of getting support from Edo South, Central and my own senatorial district, which is Edo North.” He told TVC.
“This because I’m completely home boy and detribalised. I have support base from across the three senatorial districts because I am a grassroots person and I relate with people seamlessly.
“I use the word that I am a street boy as I’m always with the people. So, I’m confident and sure of winning the race.
“With how they have been going after me, I have therefore, seen that I am the candidate to beat. This is why they are blocking me from declaring.
“How come I am the only one that is being asked not to contest? I am the only one that my office was relocated because I wanted to declare my intention.
“I am the only one that, close to five months now, no allocation to my office just because I declared.
“When I said I was pressed, but not distressed, I understand the kind of intimidation and oppression I have gone through.
“Notwithstanding, the truth is that all these point to the fact that I am the candidate to beat and I will not want to reveal my plans.
“I have my strategies and all I’ve done is that I refused to be distracted. I can bet you that even the Governor will support me when the time comes.”
Shaibu said he would defeat anybody anointed by Obaseki.
“Definitely, I’ll defeat the so-called candidate of the governor, not because I have the power, but because Edo people want their own and I am their own. Edo people do not want importation; they want their own.
“The problem I have with the governor is that he has allowed certain individuals that have interest in governance to come between us. He is managing in his own style and the way he feels he can manage it. I am also managing it the way I feel I can manage it.
“They are beating me and I am crying and I am buying handkerchiefs to clear the tears.
“People say we are fighting, but I’m not fighting. I’m being beaten.
“They’re doing everything to stop me, but they can’t. The truth is that Edo people have made up their mind.
“Edo people hate intimidation. Ah, the kind of intimidation and harassment I have received within this period is only God that has actually seen me through. Irrespective of the intimidation, I have resolved not to fight.
“If PDP wants to win the race, the party needs a unifier, who I am.”