Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has expressed confidence Governor Godwin Obaseki will emerge victorious during the June 22 governorship primary election of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) whether the direct or indirect mode is adopted.
He insisted that Obaseki’s administration’s impressive performance was sufficient to guarantee victory during the primary but noted Obaseki and his allies preferred indirect mode of primary election to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Edo.
Shaibu, in statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Benjamin Atu, asked politicians and others who decided to declare war against Obaseki and his government to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance.
He said: “Despite this confidence and assurance that the victory of Governor Obaseki is not in doubt, we are not ready to go the way of the direct primary.
“Our preference for indirect primary is because we do not want to secure victory at the expense of the health of the people we are seeking to govern.
“Edo State Governor has the responsibility of safeguarding the people against any form of hazard or danger, including COVID-19. As the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state, Governor Obaseki has decided to conduct the affairs of Edo the way that will ensure safety of the lives of its residents.
“As at today, Obaseki is the Governor of Edo State. He has the capacity to determine the direction of the state.
“That does not amount to fear of failure in facing any election, but rather putting the interest of the public above desperation to win an election.
“APC’s National Chairman, Comtade Adams Oshiomhole, is insisting on direct primary because the results of the yet-to-be-conducted direct primary election have already been written by him, just waiting to be announced.”