Ahead of the Edo governorship election, Governor Godwin Obaseki has cleared all doubts regarding his stance on the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) choice of a flagbearer.
He affirmed that he holds no personal favoritism towards any candidate among those vying to succeed him as his tenure draws to a close. Obaseki emphasized that the authority to select the party’s flagbearer for the gubernatorial election solely rests with the party.
Speaking in Bauchi on Thursday following a private meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed, who serves as the chairman of the PDP governors forum, Obaseki clarified his position. Accompanied by the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the details of their discussion remained undisclosed at the time of reporting.
During a media briefing held at the Rahmat House, an extension of the Bauchi Government House, Obaseki also addressed speculations about his relationship with his deputy, Philip Shaibu, who has expressed interest in succeeding him.
He affirmed that their relationship remains harmonious, countering suggestions in some circles that he doesn’t support his deputy’s aspiration.
Obaseki stated, “My relationship with Shaibu is cordial. He aspires to hold the office I currently occupy, and I believe, as a Nigerian, he has the constitutional right to pursue that ambition; no one can hinder him.”
He further explained, “However, the decision regarding who will become the PDP’s flagbearer in the gubernatorial election rests solely with the PDP and its members. I am just one among millions of party members in Edo State. I don’t think my vote alone will determine the party’s flagbearer.”