Obaseki: Shaibu manipulated youth council election over governorship ambition

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, says Philip Shaibu, his deputy, manipulated the election of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the state to further his governorship ambition. 

Speaking during the celebration of the International Youth Day in Benin city, Obaseki said Shaibu influenced the election to install the executive council (EXCO).

The emergence of the NYCN EXCO had sparked controversy among youth groups in the state.

Various interest groups protested the alleged imposition of persons on the organisation.

Obaseki immediately disbanded the council and called for fresh elections.

“I want to apologise over the unfortunate incident that happened with the youth council election. It was done without my authorisation and knowledge,” the governor said.

“As you can see now, the reason why my deputy governor manipulated your election is because he has political ambition and thought he could control and use the council to achieve his political goals.

“Please, I apologise.

“Going forward, you will have an independent, well organised and well covered transparent election.”

Obaseki had accused Shaibu of orchestrating a plot to kick him out of office. 

The governor also said Shaibu has become so desperate to succeed him.

He also accused his deputy of conniving with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition.

However, the deputy governor denied the allegations, saying “the idea that I would consider a coup to overthrow a democratically elected government is not only absurd but also deeply offensive”.

Shaibu had accused the governor of preventing him from performing his constitutional duties.