Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu Expresses Concern Over Alleged Removal Scheme

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has voiced concerns about a purported scheme to remove him from office.

Shaibu stated that the scheme gained momentum following his election as a factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, Shaibu disclosed that efforts to oust him intensified after he emerged as the factional candidate of the PDP.

The returning officer in the PDP governorship primary and Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, had earlier announced Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the delegate election with 577 votes.

However, in parallel primaries held at the Benin residence of the Deputy Governor, the returning officer, Bartholomew Moses, declared Shaibu the winner, citing he secured victory “with over 300 votes.”

Shaibu expressed resolve in defending his rights and emphasized that contesting the election is his constitutional right, which cannot be infringed upon by anyone.

He mentioned that there have been threats of impeachment against him for standing up for his rights, but he is prepared to face any legal challenge that may arise.

“If fighting for my rights and all of us collectively fighting for my rights as in the constitution triggers impeachment, so be it, because fighting for my rights and saying I must contest the election is my constitutional rights and cannot be taken by anybody,” he asserted.

Shaibu concluded by stating that if his pursuit of constitutional rights leads to impeachment, the courts are available to interpret the law accordingly.