The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the impeached Edo Deputy Governor, Mr [b]Philip Shaibu, to maintain patience with the party, emphasizing the possibility of his ascension to the governorship position in the state.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, the PDP Lagos State Chairman, Mr Philip Aivoji, extended this plea following Shaibu's impeachment by the House of Assembly.
NAN reports that Shaibu was impeached by the Edo House of Assembly on Monday, following the recommendation of a seven-man judicial panel led by retired Justice Stephen Omonua.
The strained relationship between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki escalated when Shaibu expressed interest in succeeding Obaseki, resulting in parallel party governorship primaries in February.
Following Shaibu's removal, Obaseki promptly appointed and swore in 38-year-old Mr Omobayo Godwin as his new deputy.
In response, Aivoji stressed the importance of Shaibu remaining loyal to the party despite the circumstances, underscoring his potential to attain the governorship through perseverance and patience.
“What we are concerned about is winning Edo back for PDP. The impeached deputy governor needs to be patient and hand over everything to God.
“Whatever happens, no one ever can tell, he (Shaibu) can still become the governor in the future. He should not leave the party.
“That is my advice because it is the party that brought him up. When he became the deputy governor, there were millions of people who could have become the deputy governor before the party picked him.
“Since this has happened, he should look for a way of mending fences to actualise his dream of becoming the governor. He can still become the governor,” he said.
Regarding the potential impact of Shaibu's impeachment on the party's fortunes in the Sept. 21 governorship election in the state, Aivoji expressed confidence.
“If it would affect, they (the lawmakers) would not have taken that decision," he remarked.
Aivoji urged the Edo chapter of the PDP to intensify efforts and address all necessary loopholes to secure victory in the upcoming election.