Philip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, has called on residents not to support a gubernatorial candidate who relies on an interpreter to communicate with the people. Speaking in Irrua, the administrative headquarters of Esan Central Local Government Area, Shaibu emphasized the importance of voting for a candidate who can speak the Edo dialect fluently.
Shaibu questioned whether a candidate who needs an interpreter qualifies as a “homeboy,” stating that someone born in Lagos State but claiming Edo heritage does not fit the criteria. He urged voters to consider this factor when choosing their next governor, emphasizing the significance of electing a candidate deeply rooted in the state’s culture and language.
The remarks come in the wake of criticism directed at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, who used an interpreter during a campaign event in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area. Ighodalo addressed the crowd in English while an interpreter translated his message into the Esan dialect.
The rift between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, which escalated during the campaign period, ultimately led to Shaibu’s impeachment by the State House of Assembly. As the political landscape in Edo continues to evolve, Shaibu’s call for voters to prioritize candidates deeply connected to the state’s culture and language adds another layer to the unfolding gubernatorial race.
