During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Shaibu asserted that his support was crucial in making Obaseki governor, revealing that it took former governor Adams Oshiomhole three months to convince him to back Obaseki.

“Obaseki wasn’t a politician, and he lacked the financial resources to run for office. Oshiomhole introduced him, and many of us were initially skeptical. It took Oshiomhole three months to persuade me and some of our allies to support Obaseki,” Shaibu stated. He added, “We chose to support him out of respect for Oshiomhole.

Obaseki didn’t contribute financially – we provided the funds, mobilized our networks, and used our political influence to secure his victory. So, when it comes to who made who, it wasn’t Obaseki who made me; I made him.”

The ongoing dispute between Shaibu and Obaseki is linked to the upcoming governorship election in Edo State. Shaibu disclosed that he was selected as Obaseki’s deputy to bolster the party’s chances due to Obaseki’s lack of political experience.

Shaibu also accused Obaseki of attempting to undermine his aspirations for the 2024 governorship election by withholding financial support, noting that he hasn’t received any government funds for the past year. After being reinstated by a Federal High Court, Shaibu announced his return to office and instructed his staff to resume work.

However, the Edo state government issued a statement accusing Shaibu of impersonating the deputy governor, to which Shaibu responded by labeling Obaseki’s actions as unlawful.

“Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state is acting unlawfully. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t accuse me of impersonation after a legitimate court ruling,” Shaibu remarked. “This isn’t the first court order he’s ignored, and this is a governor who refuses to follow the very policies he introduced.”

On July 17, Justice Omotosho ruled that the impeachment carried out by the Edo State House of Assembly was illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void, as it contravened sections 188 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The court ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement, including the restoration of his salaries and allowances that had been suspended since April.

Additionally, a perpetual injunction was issued preventing Governor Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from interfering with Shaibu’s duties. Furthermore, Justice Omotosho instructed Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to reinstate Shaibu’s security details.

Meanwhile, the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the High Court’s ruling and filed a motion to stay execution pending the appeal. The court’s decision followed Shaibu’s impeachment by state lawmakers three months prior.