Philip Shaibu, recently reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has made a dramatic shift in his political allegiance, defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move, announced on Saturday, marks a significant realignment in Edo State’s political landscape.
Shaibu’s defection was revealed during the APC’s Edo State National Working Committee meeting, which also saw the inauguration of the party’s governorship campaign committee.
The event was attended by key APC figures, including the former governor of Kano State and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Cross River Governor Bassey Otu.
Notable APC members such as Jarett Tenebe, the Edo State APC Chairman, and the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, were also present.
In a statement, Shaibu, who defected alongside members of the Legacy Group led by Dan Orbih, expressed confidence in the APC’s future.
“On behalf of the Legacy Group, I announce our movement to the APC. We have come to add value to the party. It is time to take back our state,” Shaibu said.
He emphasised that their actions would speak louder than words, indicating readiness to support APC’s governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.
Describing his return to the APC as a “triumphant homecoming,” Shaibu shared his sentiments on social media, expressing gratitude for the warm reception he received.
“The party holds a special place in my heart, and where I have shared countless memories,” he wrote on his X handle.
Shaibu’s defection comes shortly after his reinstatement as Edo State Deputy Governor by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court order followed his impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.
His return to office was marked by controversy, including an allegation that Governor Godwin Obaseki barred him from entering the state.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shaibu claimed that Obaseki’s supporters were instructed to prevent his entry into Edo State.
“The constitution does not allow anybody to bar me from entering Edo State,” he asserted, emphasizing his right to return to his home state regardless of his political status.
Shaibu also accused Obaseki of orchestrating a recent attack on Benin City and alleged that the governor had threatened to destroy him if he pursued the governorship ticket under the PDP.
“With what happened yesterday, it was obvious that it was an orchestrated attempt to actualize that statement that he was going to destroy me,” Shaibu said.
The defection is likely to influence the upcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State. Shaibu’s shift to the APC, combined with his high-profile departure from the PDP, could reshape the political dynamics and affect voter sentiments.
Additionally, Shaibu has expressed concerns about the erosion of the deputy governor’s office under Obaseki’s administration, claiming he has not been paid for the past year.
“I am seeing the institution of the office of the deputy governor being destroyed by the governor for personal gain,” Shaibu stated, vowing to fight for the office’s integrity.
