Former Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, emphasized that a gubernatorial candidate lacking proficiency in the Edo dialect would be unsuitable for governing the state. Speaking at the Edo Central PDP leaders and stakeholders meeting in Irrua, the administrative hub of Esan Central Local Government Area, Shaibu asserted his endorsement solely for a candidate native to Edo.
He contended that a contender requiring an interpreter didn’t meet the criteria of a native due to their inability to communicate in the Edo language. Shaibu underscored, “We’ve resolved that only a true native will assume the governorship of Edo State.
It’s evident that an individual born in Lagos, despite their Edo heritage, doesn’t embody the essence of a native.”
Former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, emphasized that a gubernatorial candidate lacking proficiency in the Edo dialect would be unsuitable for governing the state. Speaking at the Edo Central PDP leaders and stakeholders meeting in Irrua, the administrative hub of Esan Central Local Government Area, Shaibu asserted his endorsement solely for a candidate native to Edo.
He contended that a contender requiring an interpreter didn’t meet the criteria of a native due to their inability to communicate in the Edo language. Shaibu underscored, “We’ve resolved that only a true native will assume the governorship of Edo State. It’s evident that an individual born in Lagos, despite their Edo heritage, doesn’t embody the essence of a native.”
Though Shaibu didn’t specify the candidate he was referring to, concerns arose after the PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, utilized an interpreter to convey his intentions to his kinsmen in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area.
In the footage, Ighodalo, a contender for the PDP ticket at the time, spoke to the gathering in English, soliciting their backing, while an interpreter conveyed his message in the Esan language.
Speaking as well, Dan Orbih, the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South Zone, expressed his refusal to campaign for the party unless the internal crisis is resolved.
Orbih emphasized that the re-election of Godwin Obaseki has caused distress and frustration among party members and the state’s populace.
“In the Edo State PDP, there are significant issues. I will not advocate for the party until I witness tangible efforts by the PDP administration in the state to address all the concerns we have raised during our campaigns. Until I see concrete actions taken to fulfill the promises we made to the people of Edo, I cannot approach anyone to endorse the PDP in the upcoming election.
“If they can mistreat you as they have, just imagine what could happen if we let them continue. I observe pain and resentment in the expressions of our people and members. I cannot pretend that everything is fine, and I have clearly stated my refusal to participate in the Edo State PDP gubernatorial Campaign Council. My decision is based on my feelings. PDP members were treated unfairly following Godwin Obaseki’s re-election,” he remarked.
Before the PDP gubernatorial primary election, Obaseki and Shaibu, along with their supporters, have been at odds over the party’s candidate selection.
However, Ighodalo emerged as the victor of the PDP primary election, leading to Shaibu’s impeachment as the deputy governor of the state.
This exacerbates the rift within the state branch of the party as opposition mounts against Obaseki and the party’s chosen candidate.
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