In a significant political shift, Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC). Shaibu made this announcement during the APC's Edo State inauguration of the National Working Committee for the upcoming governorship election on Saturday, July 20.
At the meeting, Shaibu, 54, publicly declared his intention to rejoin the APC and was formally welcomed back into the party by the National Organising Secretary.
This move follows allegations by Shaibu that his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, had barred him from entering the state. During an interview on Channels Television’s "Politics Today" on Friday, July 19, Shaibu claimed that Obaseki had instructed his associates to prevent him from entering Edo State, despite a Federal High Court order in Abuja reinstating him as deputy governor.
"Yesterday, I got intel that the governor has told his men that they must not allow me into town. I am a free-born of Edo State, nobody can stop me from entering Edo State," Shaibu asserted. "The constitution does not allow anybody to bar me from entering Edo State, not even when I am a deputy governor. Even if I am an ordinary citizen, I should have a right. I should have freedom."
Shaibu also accused Governor Obaseki of threatening to "destroy" him after he declared his intention to run for the governorship ticket under the PDP in November 2023. Furthermore, Shaibu alleged that Obaseki was behind an attack on his convoy on Thursday, July 18, in Benin City, which resulted in the death of a police officer. Shaibu contended that this attack was part of Obaseki's plan to undermine him.
The political landscape in Edo State remains tense as Shaibu's defection to the APC adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing power struggle within the state's leadership.
He wrote on his X handle,
Quote
"It is a triumphant homecoming for me, as I officially return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party where I am accepted, valued, and welcomed with open arms. The party holds a special place in my heart, and where I have shared countless memories.
I am grateful to be back among the people and community that have always supported me, and to reunite with my political family.
#Ofonee"
I am grateful to be back among the people and community that have always supported me, and to reunite with my political family.
#Ofonee"
Watch videos below...
Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu joins All Progressives Congress (APC) pic.twitter.com/ovXuRMMlF9
— Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) July 20, 2024
Philip Shaibu returns to APC
— APC Nigeria (@OfficialAPCNg) July 20, 2024
“It is a triumphant homecoming for me, as I officially return to the APC, the Party where I am accepted, valued and welcomed...” The reinstated Edo deputy governor, announced during the inauguration of the Party's Edo guber national campaign council pic.twitter.com/AAtJnJ0sVL
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