From Moshood Olawale Karim
The emergence of Hon Philips Shaibu as the factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State has caught the attention of many political analysts.
Shaibu, who currently serves as the Deputy Governor of the state, secured his candidacy at a parallel primary election held on Thursday.
In light of this development, the Deputy Governor in a statement made available to Uptown Press on Friday, outlines his plans to promote programs that will enhance the lives of the people of Edo State, if elected as the governor.
In the statement, Shaibu expressed his commitment to engage in a rigorous campaign to ensure that the PDP is victorious in the upcoming election. While thanking the delegates for nomination as the party candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, he called for unity among party members and supporters, stressing the importance of a united front in achieving the desired outcome. He highlighted the need for a lasting impact in Edo State, and promised to work towards achieving this goal in collaboration with all stakeholders.
The Deputy Governor’s emergence as the PDP’s factional candidate Uptown Press reports has set the stage for what promises to be an interesting and highly competitive gubernatorial election in Edo State.
The statement reads in part: “I, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, stand before you today, humble and deeply grateful for the immense honour you have bestowed upon me. I am immensely pleased to accept the nomination as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the highly anticipated September 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State.
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the party delegates who participated in the primary election. Your trust and support mean the world to me and I am truly honoured to have earned your vote. Your faith in my abilities is both humbling and motivating and I promise to uphold the ideals and principles of our great party as we move forward in this journey together.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the state executive members, the senatorial leaders, local government area leaders, ward leaders and stakeholders of the PDP for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this process. Your dedication to the party’s progress and your willingness to work hand in hand with the aspirants demonstrate the spirit of unity that we strive to achieve. I am privileged to have such a committed team by my side as we embark on this new chapter.
“To the members of the National Working Committee of the PDP, I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me. Your diligence, wisdom, and commitment to democratic ideals have been the foundation upon which our party thrives. I pledge to honour your trust by engaging in vigorous campaigns, reaching out to the people of Edo State and promoting the progressive policies advocated by our great party.
“I also want to thank my fellow aspirants who contested alongside me in this primary. The spirit of healthy competition that you brought to the primaries has strengthened our party and deepened our resolve to work together for the success of the PDP.
“At this juncture, I want us to put our differences aside and unite, for it is through unity that we will create the lasting impact that Edo State needs.
“Looking ahead, I am fully aware of the challenges that lie before us. However, fear not, for I am unyielding in my commitment to steer Edo State towards greater progress, prosperity, and unity. I promise to be a leader who listens, who stands for justice and who tirelessly advocates for the welfare of all Edo citizens.
“Edo deserves us to continually flourish and remain that template other states and countries will come to understudy and learn from. Let’s work hard to put smiles on the faces of our people, let’s make them have a deep feeling of our governance and enjoy the dividends of democracy, let’s continue to preserve our cultural heritage and keep our state’s flag flying high.
“I earnestly extend an olive branch to all members of our great party — let us work harmoniously together to emerge victorious in the forthcoming gubernatorial election. Collaboratively, we shall herald a new era of good governance, accountability, and inclusive development for the benefit of every citizen of our dear state.
“Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the party delegates, the state executives, the members of the National Working Committee, and my fellow aspirants. Together, we will prevail and bring about the transformation that Edo State so rightfully deserves.”
