Edo PDP Crisis: Obaseki and Shaibu’s Political Battle

The political landscape in Edo State is in turmoil as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces a stormy crisis.

The fallout of the 2024 governorship primary election has not only exposed deep-seated divisions within the party but has also ignited a fierce political battle between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

The once close relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu has soured significantly, particularly since the deputy governor declared his intention to contest the governorship election and succeed his principal.

The parallel primary election conducted, where Shaibu emerged as winner to rival the emergence of Asue Ighodalo as the party’s gubernatorial candidate, was seen as a direct challenge to Obaseki’s authority and leadership within the party.

The rift between the two political allies reached a boiling point when, on March 6, the State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Blessing Agbebaku, a known ally of Shaibu, served him with an impeachment notice.

The notice, based on allegations of perjury and revealing government secrets, was supported by a petition signed by 21 out of 24 members of the House, exceeding the constitutional requirement for impeachment.

As the impeachment saga unfolds, the fate of Philip Shaibu hangs in the balance.

While some view his planned impeachment as a politically motivated move to silent dissent voices within the party, others argue that it is a necessary step to uphold the rule of law and maintain the integrity of the office of the deputy governor.

In the midst of the political turmoil, The Rev Fr Obinyan, a respected clergyman in the state, has appealed for reconciliation and dialogue.

He urged Governor Obaseki to reconsider the impeachment plan and allow Shaibu to address his grievances through a peaceful means.

As the political crisis continues, the Edo North PDP Rescue Movement (ENREM) has called for an end to the impeachment process, accusing those behind it of ingratitude and betrayal.

The protesters criticised Governor Obaseki for his alleged role in the crisis, accusing him of stifling Shaibu’s political ambition and promoting godfatherism in the state.

Efforts to get reactions from key figures within the government, including the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, and the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, have been unsuccessful.

While the permutations rage, true to his earlier threats, Shaibu has dragged Ighodalo, the PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before a Federal High Court in Abuja over the February 22 governorship primary election of the party.

Pundits observed that it remains to be seen, how events would unfold, and whether Shaibu would weather the political storm.