The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has declared that the embattled deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu is welcome to join the party.
Speaking to newsmen after a meeting with governorship aspirants under the party, the Edo Labour Party chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi said the party is open to receiving all interested persons including Shaibu.
He added however that should Shaibu decide to join the party, he won’t be viewed as the deputy governor but as an individual like every other person.
He said, “If Philip Shaibu is coming to our party he will not be coming as Deputy Governor but as an individual like any other person. The party is open to everyone in Nigeria. The doors are open to anybody who want to come in to contest the election.”
On why the party decided to hold a meeting with aspirants seeking its governorship ticket in Edo, Ogbaloi said the increasing number of aspirants necessitated the meeting.
According to him, the party saw the need to bring the aspirants together, interact with them and tell them how best they can go about their sensitization towards their primary election. He said there is a need to also appreciate them for the manner they have conducted themselves so far.
The chairman said there is no cause for concern about the number of aspirants which is increasing on a daily basis, noting that the number of aspirants would reduce during the period of picking the nomination forms, and eventually only one person would emerge to fly the party’s flag as candidate.
Reaction To Obaseki vs Shaibu
On the current disagreement between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Labour Party chair said his party prefers a healthy opposition as it makes the joy of victory better.
He added, “We want the Labour Party to win the governorship election come 2024. And to win the election we must have a candidate that will be generally acceptable to the people of Edo State.”