The political landscape in Edo State has been tumultuous in recent times, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre of a stormy crisis. It is reported that the fallout of the 2024 governorship primary election has not only exposed deep-seated divisions within the party but has also ignited a fierce political battle between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
Observers of Edo politics noted that the once close relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu has soured significantly, particularly since the deputy governor declared his intention to contest the governorship election and succeed his principal.
The parallel primary election conducted, where Shaibu emerged as winner to rival the emergence of Asue Ighodalo as the party’s gubernatorial candidate, was seen as a direct challenge to Obaseki’s authority and leadership within the party, especially after Shaibu stormed the party’s national secretariat and threatened to drag the party to court if he was not recognised as its authentic flag-bearer for the September 16 governorship election.
The rift between the two political allies, however, reached a boiling point when, on March 6, the State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Blessing Agbebaku, a known ally of Shaibu, served him with an impeachment notice.
The notice, based on allegations of perjury and revealing government secrets, was supported by a petition signed by 21 out of 24 members of the House, exceeding the constitutional requirement for impeachment.
The move has sparked a fierce debate among political analysts and stakeholders. While some view Shaibu’s planned impeachment as a politically motivated move to silent dissent voices within the party, others argue that it is a necessary step to uphold the rule of law and maintain the integrity of the office of the deputy governor.
Aslem Ojezua, a lawyer and staunch supporter of Shaibu condemned the impeachment move, describing it as an unfortunate and unjust act. He questioned the validity of the allegations against Shaibu and urged him to stand firm in the face of adversity. Ojezua called for divine intervention, believing that Shaibu would ultimately prevail and emerge victorious.
“It seems to me that members of the House of Assembly don’t know what an impeachable offence is. What is worrisome is that the majority leader is even a lawyer who ought to have known, even if somebody is trying to use him.
“What they (state lawmakers) have shown now is that Shaibu is incorruptible. I thought they were going to bring out something he had done those times he was made to act; maybe he abused his office, but they couldn’t find anything against him. I think it is a plus for Shaibu”. Ojezua said.
On the other hand, a dissenting chieftain of the party who chose to remain anonymous expressed little sympathy for Shaibu, blaming him for the crisis and questioning his motives. He suggested that Shaibu’s impeachment could be a necessary step to restore order and discipline within the party, especially in the run-up to the governorship election.
In the midst of the political turmoil, The Rev Fr Obinyan, a respected clergyman in the state, appealed for reconciliation and dialogue.
He urged Governor Obaseki to reconsider the impeachment plan and allow Shaibu to address his grievances through a peaceful means.
Obinyan warned against using impeachment as a means of settling political scores, emphasizing the need for unity and solidarity within the PDP.
“Reconciliation is always a prosperous option. Listen to your kind heart. I am not insinuating that he must be governor, but we cannot justify an impeachment without putting a wedge on the path of positive advancement in other spheres of life,” he said.
“It seems to me that members of the House of Assembly don’t know what an impeachable offence is. What is worrisome is that the majority leader is even a lawyer who ought to have known, even if somebody is trying to use him.
“What they (state lawmakers) have shown now is that Shaibu is incorruptible. I thought they were going to bring out something he had done those times he was made to act; maybe he abused his office, but they couldn’t find anything against him. I think it is a plus for Shaibu”. Ojezua said.
On the other hand, a dissenting chieftain of the party who chose to remain anonymous expressed little sympathy for Shaibu, blaming him for the crisis and questioning his motives. He suggested that Shaibu’s impeachment could be a necessary step to restore order and discipline within the party, especially in the run-up to the governorship election.
In the midst of the political turmoil, The Rev Fr Obinyan, a respected clergyman in the state, appealed for reconciliation and dialogue.
He urged Governor Obaseki to reconsider the impeachment plan and allow Shaibu to address his grievances through a peaceful means.
Obinyan warned against using impeachment as a means of settling political scores, emphasizing the need for unity and solidarity within the PDP.
“Reconciliation is always a prosperous option. Listen to your kind heart. I am not insinuating that he must be governor, but we cannot justify an impeachment without putting a wedge on the path of positive advancement in other spheres of life,” he said.
