As we beam the searchlight on the strength of this duo what is immediately apparent is the huge cooperation between the governor and his deputy. Their greatest asset is the mutual respect they have for each other. The huge war chest at their disposal notwithstanding, there could have been no headway had Phillip abandoned Obaseki for Oshiomole; Obaseki  also reciprocated the same gesture when he crossed over to the PDP and ensured that Phillip remained his deputy.
This long standing loyalty also paid off in the distribution of activities which invariably ensured that Phillip was not redundant like most governors are wont to do to their deputies. Oshiomole did it; lucky Igbinedion did it. The incumbency factor could have played a key role here, but as has been observed most incumbents have been defeated in elections. But the maltreatment of Obaseki/Shaibu by their erstwhile godfather enabled them to draw tremendous sympathy from both friends and foes alike.
The fact that they both performed creditably and achieved a lot is not enough; but truth is that they displayed exemplary character, confidence and charisma in confronting the challenges that befell them shortly on assumption of office. They showed unity, less squabbles, were transparent, and showed great leadership traits. Above all, there was stability at the government house, save for the unbelievable AWOL by the renegade legislators who refused to be sworn into office. Obaseki/Shaibu maintained low profile and were hardly linked with corruption, unlike their predecessor who was voluptuous swallowing almost any material that came his way even blatantly turning the State House into a house of something else.
Leaders are to be held accountable; leaders are to serve—and show good manners; these are the traits that opened up the flood gates of public opinion for Obaseki/Shaibu. Among others they ensured that they distanced themselves from the act of double speaking reminiscent of the previous era.  Thus their arrival in PDP is an added boost for PDP. On top of it PDP is mainly in control of the State having two serving senators and five of eight rep members. The PDP also have heavyweight politicians like the Igbinedion’s, Oghiadomhe’s, Oyofo’s, etc.
