The deep-seated political rivalry between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and his former deputy, Phillip Shaibu, has taken a dramatic turn, with Shaibu accusing Obaseki of defrauding him of $300,000 under the guise of political lobbying.
In an explosive interview, Shaibu claimed that during their time in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obaseki had approached him for financial support to help lobby party leaders ahead of a crucial election. According to him, the governor promised to add $700,000 to his contribution, making it a total of $1 million, which would be used to secure PDP support in Port Harcourt. However, Shaibu alleges that the money never reached its intended recipients.
“I give am $300,000, e tell me say e go add $700,000 join, carry am go lobby people for Port Harcourt,” Shaibu recounted. “Las las, we come hear from PDP zonal chairman say dem no see shishi. Omo, e be like say e run me street!”
A Fallout That Has Been Brewing
This latest revelation adds fuel to the already burning feud between Obaseki and Shaibu, which led to Shaibu’s impeachment in 2023. The once-close political allies fell apart after Obaseki reportedly shut out Shaibu from succession plans, leading to a bitter power struggle.
Shaibu had initially fought to remain deputy governor, taking legal steps to secure his position, but his efforts failed as the Edo State House of Assembly eventually removed him from office. Now, with these new claims, the battle between the two former allies has taken a financial twist, raising serious questions about transparency in political funding.
Obaseki Yet to Respond
Governor Obaseki is yet to officially respond to the allegations. However, political observers believe this could be another episode in the ongoing war between the two politicians, with Edo’s 2024 governorship election just around the corner.
As Edo politics continues to heat up, Nigerians are left asking—who is telling the truth? And will this scandal have any impact on the upcoming election?
Only time will tell.