TheCable

Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo, says no one can stop him from securing the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the September 2024 poll.

Amid the political tension between Shaibu and Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, the deputy governor declared his intention to run for the gubernatorial poll on Monday.

Speaking during a chat with ChannelsTV on Tuesday, Shaibu said “no human” can stop him from contesting the election, adding that it is the turn of his senatorial zone to produce the governor of the state.

He said his ambition to contest is not fuelled by selfishness but because “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,” he said.

“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.

“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 said if elected governor, he would “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,” he said.

“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.”