Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, is likely to replace the state’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, with former Edo House of Assembly member Pascal Ugbomhe until November 12, 2024, when Shaibu's second term ends. Ugbomhe, an Etsako man like Shaibu, is a key member of the Chief Dan Orbih-led Legacy Coalition in Edo's PDP chapter, seeking support from Orbih and his supporters ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
Obaseki seems unwilling to take risks in Edo North Senatorial District, which is represented by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the APC and ex-governor of Edo State. Ugbomhe, from Ekperi in Etsako Central Local Government Area, is expected to secure victory for PDP's governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, in Edo North. This move aims to reduce the influence of Oshiomhole and Shaibu, as Ighodalo is from Edo Central with lower voting strength, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, is from Benin Kingdom in Edo South, with higher voting strength.
A source close to Obaseki revealed that Ugbomhe, a Law graduate of the University of Benin and former Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council, is expected to convince legacy coalition's preferred governorship aspirant, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, to support Ighodalo. This strategy aims to ensure unity and peace in Edo PDP.
The Justice Stephen Omonua (rtd.)-led seven-member probe panel, appointed by Edo Chief Judge Justice Daniel Okungbowa to investigate allegations against Shaibu, concluded its three-day sitting on Friday. The panel will soon submit its report to Justice Okungbowa, for the state’s 24 lawmakers to decide on Shaibu's removal.
