Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo State, appears to be planning to officially announce his candidacy for governor in 2024, defying all odds against him.

It was learned that the deputy governor had previously paid for a hotel in the upscale Government Reserved Area (GRA), but that hotel later refused to allow him make use of it.

A group operating under the name Obaseki Finishing Well Group (OFG) was reported to have paid for the same venue and then reimbursed Shaibu for the money he had paid. This information was obtained from a staff member of a popular hotel owned by a renowned PDP chieftain.

A source in the know over the development stated, “We found this very preposterous that we were contacted by the hotel management that a group had paid for the same venue we paid for and that they have a programme slated for 7am on the same date. We know where this is coming from. Whatever their plans to frustrate our declaration will definitely fail. They are jittery over Shaibu’s declaration and popularity”.

Recall that the deputy governor's plan was outlined in a letter dated November 23 and signed by the deputy governor, which was provided to reporters in Benin by the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization.

The letter which was titled ‘Special Invitation,’ read, “On behalf of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation, I invite you to honour me with your esteemed presence as I offer myself to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State.”As stated in the letter, the event is scheduled to be held today at the Eterno Hotels by 8am.

Shaibu's ambition has caused him to clash with Governor Godwin Obaseki, his principal, who is rumored to be opposed to his deputy succeeding him.

Shaibu petitioned an Abuja High Court to prevent Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from impeaching him during the height of the confrontation.

Later, following the intervention of well-meaning people, he withdrew the case.