Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu Set to Make Official Bid for Edo State Governorship, Faces Venue Controversy

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, is poised to announce his candidacy for the 2024 governorship election in Edo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shaibu, who has been dropping hints about his intention to run, believes that the people of Edo State need practical governance and cannot afford to experiment with someone who lacks an understanding of the state’s politics and needs.

In preparation for his official declaration, Shaibu’s campaign organization sent out a ‘Special Invitation’ dated November 23, 2023, inviting attendees to witness his bid for the position of Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State. The event is expected to attract top PDP politicians from across the state and beyond.

However, a venue controversy has arisen as the hotel originally booked for the declaration, Eterno Hotels in Benin City, has cancelled Shaibu’s booking.

The hotel, owned by a prominent chieftain of the PDP in the state, informed Shaibu’s team that the space was no longer available and refunded his money.

The hotel management allegedly cited a conflicting booking from another group called the ‘Obaseki finishing well group’ for the same venue at the same time.

Shaibu’s supporters find the situation preposterous and suspect attempts to frustrate his declaration due to fears over his popularity. Despite the setback, Shaibu remains undeterred and is determined to forge ahead with his bid for the Edo State governorship.