Edo guber: Intimidation, harassment won’t stop my political ambition, says Shaibu

Philip Shaibu, Edo deputy governor, says intimidation and harassment will not change his resolve in the pursuit of his political ambition. 

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Shaibu alleged intimidation and harassment of people in the build up to the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election.

Shaibu was declared winner of a factional governorship primary election that reportedly held at his residence in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday.

Asue Ighodalo was also announced winner of another PDP primary exercise which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin.

“The level of intimidation and harassment meted out to me and those people who believe in me was beyond comprehension, yet it does not actually change our resolve in what we believe in,” Shaibu said.

“People were sacked, some civil servants were suspended, others transferred from their position and taken away from their family comfort to different places, all because they were associating with me.

“Well, I dare say that anybody still intimidating or harassing anybody means that he is not ready to win an election.”

He said his ambition is no longer about him but the people, adding that it is imperative the party listen to the voice of the people.

Shaibu said if the PDP truly wants to win the September 21 governorship election, it would field a popular and competent candidate, and not impose on the people.

He also said the PDP must adhere to the electoral laws and party guidelines to be able to win the election in the state.

He explained that there are party guidelines for electing a governorship candidate, just as there is an electoral law guiding political activities.

The deputy governor also alleged that the other primary election that produced Ighodalo as its candidate disenfranchised 381 delegates.

“The electoral law forbids exclusion. An election can be re-ordered because of exclusion, it is a major sin that the law forbids“, he said.

“If the guideline is not followed in the process of producing your candidate, that candidate cannot see the light of day.

“So the ultimate right of any party is to follow your rules in producing your candidate.”