Reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu believes the results of the state’s recently held governorship election validated his assertions that Goodwin Obaseki, the outgoing governor, was unpopular.
Speaking on Monday during an Arise TV program, Shaibu emphasized that Obaseki has never won an election on his own and that the governor has always received assistance in winning.
According to reports, the deputy governor backed the All Progressives Congress candidate after having a falling out with his employer over his desire to run for governor in 2024.
Remember that the APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo was proclaimed the victor of the Saturday poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.
With 247,274 votes, Okpebholo defeated Obaseki’s chosen candidate, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with 291,667 votes.
Shaibu responded to the election by saying he felt “vindicated” and that Obaseki should have learned from the experience.
He pushed the governor to issue an apology to the state’s citizens, especially to those he removed from office.
Shaibu said “I thank God for it. I am water and I don’t have an enemy. Those who unfortunately decided that I am their enemy, I have always prayed for them to live long and see how God’s miracles continue to work in my life.
“I am a team player and somebody that likes to do my work the way it is and if I make a mistake, it is a human mistake and not out of envy or wickedness.
“Yesterday, I was so excited and I am happy that I’m counted among the numbers that helped the APC to regain the seat.
“I have also been able to cancel that negative impression that Shaibu does not win his ward. It is a lie because I have never lost my ward or unit. The highest votes came from my unit.
“Even the governor could not win his Local Government. I won, I won my unit, which is number one now, and I won my ward and LG which is also number one. I took first from unit to LG.
“Where are the governor’s results? He has never won, we only assist him but unfortunately, he got the power and started kicking us out.
“It is very unfortunate and I hope he learns his lessons. What is less for him now is to go back and apologize to the people of Edo State and there are a lot of them that he needs to apologize to”.
