Reinstated Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu Dumps PDP, Returns to APC.
Benin City, Edo State – The reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a significant political move. On Saturday, July 20, Shaibu, alongside prominent members of the PDP Legacy Group, rejoined the APC in Benin City, the state capital.
Shaibu, who had been a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that his decision to return to the APC was driven by a desire to add value to the party. He emphasized the readiness of his group, referred to as the “homeboys,” to win back Edo State through the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.
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“It is time to take back our state. We will not talk too much because action will speak for us. We are not afraid. We are ready to move forward,” Shaibu declared. “We, the homeboys, are ready to take our state back through the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa. We are not troublemakers, but if it comes, we will use it to rub our body, and we move on.”
In a symbolic gesture, Shaibu walked straight to former Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, knelt before him, drawing applause from party supporters. This act, captured and shared by TVC News on social media, highlighted the significant political shift and the unity within the APC ranks.
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The Punch reported that Shaibu and the Dan Orbih-led Legacy Group of the PDP saw their move as a strategic step to reclaim Edo State for the APC. Shaibu’s return to the APC underscores his commitment to the party’s values and objectives.
In a related development, Shaibu alleged that Governor Godwin Obaseki had orchestrated an attack against him in Benin City on Thursday, July 18. According to Shaibu, Governor Obaseki was acting on a previous promise to thwart his political ambitions for declaring his intention to contest the Edo governorship election. Shaibu claimed he had received intelligence indicating that Obaseki had instructed his men to prevent him from entering the city.
This dramatic turn of events signals a new chapter in Edo State’s political landscape, with Shaibu’s reintegration into the APC expected to have far-reaching implications for the upcoming governorship elections.