Governor of Edo State, South South Nigeria, Godwin Obaseki says his deputy, Philip Shaibu manipulated the election of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in the state to further his governorship ambition.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obaseki said this while speaking during the celebration of the International Youth Day in Benin city.
Obaseki said Shaibu influenced the election to install the executive council (EXCO).
The emergence of the NYCN EXCO had sparked controversy among youth groups in the state.
Various interest groups protested the alleged imposition of persons on the organisation.
Obaseki immediately disbanded the council and called for fresh elections.
“I want to apologise over the unfortunate incident that happened with the youth council election. It was done without my authorisation and knowledge,” the governor said.
“As you can see now, the reason why my deputy governor manipulated your election is because he has political ambition and thought he could control and use the council to achieve his political goals.
“Please, I apologise.
“Going forward, you will have an independent, well organised and well covered transparent election.”
