The Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization has voiced grave concern over a recent attack on the campaign vehicle of its leader, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The organization alleges that individuals linked to a PDP aspirant sponsored a violent assault on the vehicle, which was being driven by the Coordinator of the campaign in Esan West, Mr. Otoide Abas.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by Chief Sunday Okumayin, the organization claims that the incident took place shortly after Mr. Otoide concluded a productive meeting with Ward 10 (Illeh) PDP supporters. While on his way to meet other backers in Ekpoma, he made a brief stop at the local market square to purchase some beef barbecue (Suya). It was during this seemingly innocuous moment that a white Toyota bus, labeled “Ameosa Motors,” suddenly appeared, from which about seven heavily armed hoodlums emerged, causing fear and panic by firing shots indiscriminately.

According to the statement, Mr. Otoide reported that the same vehicle and occupants had previously visited Illeh after the meeting, where they maliciously vandalized the chairs and canopies used for the gathering. The hoodlums then proceeded to extensively damage the Philip Shaibu Campaign vehicle, firing multiple shots at it while Mr. Otoide and others sought safety.

Investigations have uncovered that the bus used by the assailants was the same one that transported thugs accompanying the mentioned PDP aspirant to the Uchi Day celebration in Auchi last week.

The organization expresses deep concern about these acts of violence and asserts that Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his campaign organization are dedicated to the well-being and progress of the people of Edo State. Unfortunately, there have been numerous attempts to obstruct the campaign, including the repeated vandalism of billboards by state-sponsored thugs targeting Mr. Shaibu’s candidacy.

Undeterred by these malicious acts, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State and a leading contender in the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), remains resolute in reclaiming the state from individuals whose priorities prioritize personal gain over the welfare of the people.

The organization urges the state’s security agencies to promptly address these distressing events and compel the government to rein in their agents. Such violence undermines the democratic process and betrays the peaceful people of Edo State, who have chosen to participate in a democratic election to liberate their state from conniving capitalists masquerading as statesmen. The safety and security of all participants in the election must be guaranteed, and those responsible for these attacks must face the full force of the law.

As of now, the Coordinator of the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization in Esan West Local Government Area is providing his statement at the Ekpoma Police station, while the campaign vehicle is being held as evidence.