They Are Beating Me, And I Am Crying, Buying Handkerchiefs To Clear The Tears- Philip Shaibu

Benin, Edo State– The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has raised allegations of intimidation in declaring his ambition to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Despite not receiving an official endorsement from Governor Obaseki, Shaibu expressed his determination to pursue the party’s candidacy.

Shaibu revealed that he has been facing challenges, citing the withholding of allocations to his office for the past five months as a form of intimidation.

The deputy governor, undeterred by these circumstances, has vowed not to be swayed from his path to seek the governorship candidacy.

Refuting insinuations of a rift with his boss, he said he was only being threatened for declaring his bid.

“I’m sure of getting support from Edo South, Central and my own senatorial district, which is Edo North.

“This because I’m a complete homeboy and detribalised. I have a support base from across the three senatorial districts because I am a grassroots person and I relate with people seamlessly.

“I use the word that I am a street boy as I’m always with the people. So, I’m confident and sure of winning the race.

“With how they have been going after me, I have, therefore, seen that I am the candidate to beat. This is why they are blocking me from declaring.

“How come I am the only one that is being asked not to contest? I am the only one that my office was relocated because I wanted to declare my intention.

“I am the only one that, for close to five months now, no allocation to my office just because I declared.

“When I said I was pressed, but not distressed, I understand the kind of intimidation and oppression I have gone through.

“Notwithstanding, the truth is that all these point to the fact that I am the candidate to beat and I will not want to reveal my plans.

“I have my strategies and all I’ve done is that I refuse to be distracted. I can bet you that even the Governor will support me when the time comes.”

Shaibu declared his confidence in defeating anyone endorsed by Obaseki.

“Definitely, I’ll defeat the so-called candidate of the governor, not because I have the power, but because Edo people want their own and I am their own. Edo people do not want importation; they want their own.

“The problem I have with the governor is that he has allowed certain individuals that have an interest in governance to come between us. He is managing in his own style and the way he feels he can manage it. I am also managing it the way I feel I can manage it.

“They are beating me and I am crying and I am buying handkerchiefs to clear the tears.

“People say we are fighting, but I’m not fighting. I’m being beaten.

“They’re doing everything to stop me, but they can’t. The truth is that Edo people have made up their minds.

“Edo people hate intimidation. Ah, the kind of intimidation and harassment I have received within this period is only God has actually seen me through. Irrespective of the intimidation, I have resolved not to fight.

“If PDP wants to win the race, the party needs a unifier, who I am.”

The political landscape in Edo State has been notably active as the state approaches a crucial election season. The dynamics within the ruling party, PDP, have drawn attention, especially with the deputy governor positioning himself for the governorship race.