By Ishaya Ibrahim
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Wednesday refused to receive a handshake from his deputy, Philip Shaibu in the full glare of dignitaries at the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State.
Obaseki has been at loggerheads with Shaibu over who emerges as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the coming election slated for September 21 this year.
Shaibu wants to fly the flag of the PDP. Obaseki prefers Asue Ighodalo, the former chairman of Sterling Bank.
It was gathered that Shaibu has been garnering support from top leaders of the party in the state, including from the camp of Dan Orbih, the national vice chairman of the PDP. This has heightened the rift between Obaseki and Shaibu.
At the swearing-in ceremony of Diri, Obaseki who was enjoying a friendly chatter with one of the dignitaries at the event, suddenly changed mood when Shaibu emerged at the VIP section to greet his fellow politicians. When he reached the spot of his boss, he stretched his hand to shake him. But Obaseki ignored the hand, preferring rather to wave at his deputy, who until this contentious political battle, was his strongest ally.
The governorship primary of the PDP is slated for February 22 with the frontrunners being Ighodalo and Shaibu.
Edo State Governor Obaseki Refused To Shake Hands With His Deputy, Philip Shaibu, At The Swearing-In Ceremony Of The Governor And Deputy Governor Of Bayelsa State pic.twitter.com/vz3bVkB3RO
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) February 14, 2024
