In the lead-up to the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, Governor Godwin Obaseki has made a statement, asserting that he holds no preference for his successor.
This revelation comes in the midst of his strained relationship with his deputy, Philip Shaibu, who has openly declared his intention to vie for the coveted position.
In a BBC Pidgin interview, Governor Obaseki emphasized, “I have no preferred successor… only the people will decide.” The rift between Obaseki and Shaibu escalated recently, prompting the deputy governor to seek legal protection against an alleged impeachment plot, which he later withdrew after the intervention of state elders.
Notably, He, who hails from Edo South, hinted at the possibility of zoning influencing the succession race. “Edo people will decide… It will be based on equity, fairness, and justice,” he stated. With Edo divided into North, South, and Central senatorial districts, there’s growing advocacy for Edo Central to produce the next governor in 2024.
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Addressing the issue of godfatherism in Nigerian politics, Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of democracy. “Everybody needs nurturing and mentoring but not to the extent of teleguiding you. The people must decide who will lead them,” he asserted.