Shaibu Submits Guber Form, Says He’s Been Intimidated, But Stronger

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Ahead of the January 29 screening of the governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Edo State governorship election, the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, yesterday submitted his nomination form to the national secretariat of the party.

His submission of the form, however, brought to eight the number of the governorship aspirants that would be screened on Monday.

Others that had submitted their nomination forms were Anslem Ojrzuu, Hope Akhabur, Auserinme Ighodalu, Martin’s Uhomoibhi, Omosede Igninidion (female) Umoru Hadizat (female) and Omoregie Ogbegie Ohana.

Speaking when he submitted his form, Shaibu said he was in the race to save the state from the hands of business men as the election was for the people of the state to deicide and not for businessmen.

He explained that he had been variously intimidated, but not worried because each time he faced intimidation, it made him stronger as in the case when he contested for the election to become the president of the National Association of Nigeria students (NANS).

Shaibu told his teeming supporters that each time, he faced such intimidation, it simply told him that victory was at hand.

According to the Edo State deputy governor, “If I am not intimidated, I don’t and cannot win election. Intimidation brings out the best in me and an assurance that victory is within reach.

“My experience of what happened in Bauchi where I was elected president of NANs is about to happen with the level of intimidation but I am never worried because I am with the people. I am with the people and not the business men.”

In his speech, the deputy national organising secretary of the PDP, Pascal Adigwe, who received Shaibu urged him to be a true party man whether in Victory or in defeat, reminding him of the biblical injunction that power belonged to God.

He also urged Shaibu and his supporters to be peaceful during and after their campaigns.