Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has said he was persuaded to be the running mate to his principal Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The Deputy Governor who spoke during an interview on Wednesday, January 10, also stated that he felt betrayed by Obaseki, for not backing his candidature in the upcoming 2024 governorship election.
Shaibu, who fell out with the governor following his run for the forthcoming 2024 governorship election, said he was drafted in to add political value to Obaseki, who then contested as governor.
According to him, it took almost one month to persuade him to accept the position of deputy governor.
“Actually, I was persuaded and there was no protest. I didn’t want to be a deputy governor. I was very comfortable in the House of Representatives. It took almost one month to get me to accept to be the deputy governor of Edo State.
“I accepted to add value to the ticket of Obaseki because Obaseki was not known and he was not one of the politicians. They needed a young, vibrant politician who had won the election before and who could add political value to the ticket.
“I feel betrayed by the governor. I feel much betrayed. When we go to church, there are certain biblical verses that are becoming to make meaning to me. There is this particular verse that has been going through my mind: ‘The heart of man is desperately wicked.’ When I see what the governor is doing, the verse now makes meaning to me.
“I added value in terms of my political structure, my finances. All the vehicles that were used to campaign in 2016 are mine.
“I lost about 20% of my political capital in Edo North to support Godwin Obaseki, and in supporting him even as deputy governor.
“I supported the second term bid of the governor with my finances. Including how we got the ticket of the PDP, I contributed financially, both in naira and in dollars. If I say betrayal, it’s an understatement. I feel very hurt and betrayed.”
Source: The Nation
