The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu has refuted viral reports claiming he was plotting to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Shaibu, while reacting to the report on a Channels TV programme monitored by The New Diplomat, Monday evening, described the claim as false and mere speculation.
Earlier, reports had emerged that Shaibu, said to have the posture of a ruthless politician, was planning to dump PDP over strain relationship with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
The report had claimed that Shaibu and Obaseki are at loggerheads following certain policies and decisions taken by Obaseki in the South-south state.
“Philip Shaibu is one man I admire as a political tactician and Maradona in the Edo political space. Quitting PDP may frustrate the developmental plans of the Obaseki’s administration due to his nuts and bolts experience as a voracious student of politics, as well as his sterling track record and pedigree as a fearless and charismatic lawmaker,” a source was quoted to have said.
Reacting to the reports, Shaibu in the interview with Channels TV denied the claims, saying he was not planning to dump PDP.
The politician, who was in no small way instrumental to PDP’s victory in the 2020 governorship poll in Edo, also denied having any issue with Obaseki, adding that he remains loyal to his principal. The deputy governor however noted that there are issues that have to be resolved within the party in the state.
In his words: “I am happy with my Governor, I don’t have any problem with my Governor, so the issues of not happy with my Governor is not there. I remain absolutely loyal to my Governor.”
