Reinstated Edo Deputy Governor Shaibu, Dumps PDP, Returns To APC

By Ayodele Oni

The reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The embattled Deputy Governor dumped the ruling party in the State at a campaign rally by the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on Saturday in Benin city.

Shaibu, at the rally, declared his official return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He was received into the party by the APC’s governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.

The reinstated Deputy Governor also used the defection rally to reunite with his political godfather, a former Edo State Governor/former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had nullified Shaibu’s impeachment on charges of gross misconduct by the Edo State House of Assembly.

Shaibu said “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, which holds a special place in my heart, and where I have shared countless memories.

“I am grateful to be back among the Progressives’ fold and community that have always supported me, and to reunite with my political family.”

Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki had both dumped the APC about four years ago when they were denied a ticket to run for a second term in office by the Party, then under the Chairmanship of Oshiomhole. They found refuge in the PDP which offered them its ticked. They won comfortably and got a second term in office.

However, in the final year of their four-year second term, both men disagreed badly over Shaibu’s ambition to contest for the office of the Governor in an ambition to succeed Obaseki – an ambition Obaseki thwarted with all the executive powers in his hands.