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The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philips Shaibu, officially switched his political allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday.
Shaibu, along with other members of the PDP legacy coalition group, made the announcement during the inauguration of the National Campaign Council of the party for the upcoming governorship election in the state.
Dr. Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) welcomed the deputy governor, stating that they aim to enhance the party's value.
They expressed confidence that the opposition party will emerge victorious in the state after the governorship poll.
Shaibu was warmly received by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, whom he referred to as his father.
Trouble began for Shaibu in the PDP when he expressed interest in the governorship seat, leading to a rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki and ultimately resulting in his impeachment by the State House of Assembly on March 18.
However, a Federal High Court in Abuja later overturned the impeachment, stating that the grounds for his removal did not constitute misconduct.
Shaibu declared, "On behalf of the Legacy Group, I announce our move to the APC.
We are determined to contribute positively to the party. It is time to reclaim our state, and our actions will demonstrate our commitment. We are unafraid and prepared to forge ahead.
We, as natives of Edo State, are ready to support the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa. We are not troublemakers, but if challenged, we will overcome and move forward."
Shaibu was among those who defected from the APC to PDP with Governor Godwin Obaseki ahead of the 2020 governorship election when the APC was led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North.
