Edo Deputy Gov Defects to APC from PDP

Philip Shaibu

Edo Deputy Gov Philip Shaibu Joins ruling party...

Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu defects to APC after court reinstates him, vows to ‘take back’ state with Legacy Group.

Philip Shaibu, the newly reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after officially leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On Saturday, July 20, in Benin City, the state capital, Shaibu announced his decision, which came less than 24 hours after he revealed that he had spiritually parted ways with the PDP and was already informally aligned with the APC.

Shaibu's defection to the APC was accompanied by prominent members of the Legacy Group of the PDP, led by Dan Orbih. This development marks a significant shift in Edo State's political landscape, as Shaibu returns to the ruling party. His decision is seen as a strategic move, potentially impacting the state's political dynamics and power structures.

“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,” Shaibu said.

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

“On behalf of the Legacy Group, I announce our movement to the APC.

“We have come to add value to the party.

“It is time to take back our state.

“We will not talk too much because action will speak for us.

“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 landmark ruling on Wednesday, Judge James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the removal of Philip Shaibu as Deputy Governor of Edo State null and void. The judge found that Shaibu's impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly was a politically motivated move that violated legal provisions. Consequently, the court ordered Shaibu's reinstatement and directed the Inspector-General of Police to restore his security detail.

The legal victory comes after Governor Godwin Obaseki had appointed Omobayo Godwins as deputy governor on April 8, 2024, following Shaibu's impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly. However, with the court's ruling, Shaibu's reinstatement is now legally binding, and he is expected to resume his duties as deputy governor, marking a significant development in the political landscape of Edo State.

In the wake of the court's ruling, Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, moved swiftly to reconstitute his team, appointing new aides on Saturday, July 20. The appointments included a Chief Press Secretary and Chief of Staff, signaling Shaibu's return to office.

However, the Edo State Government expressed strong objections to Shaibu's appointments, characterizing his actions as “provocative” and potentially inflammatory. The government's response suggests a lingering tension between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki's administration, hinting at a potentially contentious period ahead in the state's political landscape.