Despite opposition from Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, supporters and constituents of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu have thrown their weight behind his candidacy for the 2024 governorship election.

The rift between Obaseki and Shaibu escalated when the deputy governor sought a court injunction to thwart an alleged plot by the governor to oust him from office after declaring his gubernatorial aspirations.

The discord reached a legal climax when Shaibu approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging a conspiracy by the governor and the state House of Assembly to impeach him. The court granted him an interim restraining order pending a thorough review of his application.

In the midst of the conflict, Shaibu’s media team was disbanded, and he was locked out of his office on the governor’s directives. Despite this, Shaibu extended an apology to Obaseki, attributing the crisis to external agitators with selfish motives.

However, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 11, Etsako West Local Government Area, where Shaibu hails from, endorsed him for the 2024 governorship during a reception. The Chairman of the PDP in the ward, Hon Igbafe Agbonoga, announced the unanimous decision, citing Shaibu’s popularity among constituents and party members.

Agbonoga emphasized the need for Shaibu’s leadership to navigate the state away from past disappointments, subtly criticizing Obaseki’s tenure. The endorsement comes after careful scrutiny and consultations with PDP members across Ward 11.

While it remains uncertain whether Shaibu has accepted the endorsement, the potential lack of support from Governor Obaseki could spark another political crisis between the two prominent figures. Obaseki has yet to reveal his stance on the upcoming election or indicate support for any particular candidate.