By Becky Usman

Governor Godwin Obaseki has unequivocally clarified his stance on the choice of the flagbearer for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming Edo governorship election, dispelling any doubts regarding his preference.

Governor Obaseki declared that he does not have a favored candidate among those aspiring to succeed him as his tenure concludes. Emphasizing that the decision on the PDP’s flagbearer rests solely with the party, he highlighted the party’s authority in determining the candidate for the gubernatorial election.

This announcement followed a closed-door meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the PDP governors forum, in Bauchi. Accompanied by the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, the specifics of the meeting remain undisclosed at the time of this report.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting held at Rahmat House, an extension of the Bauchi Government House, Governor Obaseki also addressed speculations surrounding his relationship with his deputy, Philip Shaibu, who has expressed interest in succeeding him. Obaseki affirmed the cordial nature of their relationship and asserted Shaibu’s constitutional right to run for the office.

Until now, there had been insinuations suggesting that the governor did not support his deputy’s ambition. Governor Obaseki clarified, stating, “My relationship with Shaibu is cordial. He wants to run for the office I currently occupy, and I think, as a Nigerian, he has the constitutional right to run; nobody can stop him.”

He added, “But only the PDP and our members can decide who will become the flagbearer of the party at the gubernatorial election. I’m only one of the millions of party members in Edo State. I don’t think my vote alone will determine who becomes the party’s flagbearer.”