EDO: Philip Shaibu defects to APC

He made the switch today during the APC Edo State National Working Committee meeting focused on the upcoming governorship election.

The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Abdullahi Ganduje, the former governor of Kano State and current National Chairman of the APC, as well as the governors of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Cross River, Bassey Otu.

The gathering also included Edo State APC Chairman Jarett Tenebe, gubernatorial candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Adams Oshiomhole.

During the event, Shaibu announced his decision to join the APC, where he was welcomed by the National Organising Secretary.

This defection follows Shaibu’s accusation yesterday that his principal, Godwin Obaseki, had barred him from entering the state.

In an interview today, Shaibu stated, “Yesterday, I received information that the governor instructed his aides not to let me into town. I am a free-born of Edo State; no one can prevent me from entering.”

He added, “The constitution allows me the right to enter Edo State. As a deputy governor, or even as an ordinary citizen, I have that freedom.”

Shaibu also recalled his intention to run for the governorship ticket under the PDP in November 2023, saying that Obaseki threatened to destroy him.

As a devout Catholic, he remarked, “Only God can destroy a man,” and committed to continue his campaign efforts leading up to the governorship election on September 21.

Furthermore, Shaibu accused Obaseki of being behind an attack that took place in Benin City, suggesting that the governor was following through on his prior threats to undermine him.

“I never expected he would equip them (gunmen) to that extent,” he stated, referencing Obaseki’s earlier comments about his political aspirations. “What occurred yesterday clearly demonstrated that it was a calculated effort to fulfill his threat.”

Shaibu expressed condolences to a police inspector who was killed during the assault on his convoy and that of APC candidate Monday Okpebholo in Benin City, when they were targeted by suspected gunmen.

On Thursday, both Obaseki and Okpebholo narrowly escaped an attack by armed assailants during their convoy’s passage through Benin City, resulting in the tragic death of Okon, a police inspector assigned to Okpebholo.

In the same interview, Shaibu stated his commitment to uphold the integrity of the deputy governor’s office while accusing Obaseki of undermining it for personal advantage.

He revealed that he had not received any payment for the past year.

“One of my key goals is to strengthen institutions,” he emphasized. “I see the institution of the deputy governor’s office being eroded by the governor for his own benefit. That is why I am fighting to restore the dignity of this office, not for personal gain. The governor hasn’t compensated me for the past year, and I doubt he will pay me for the next four months.”