Philip Shaibu, recently reinstated as deputy governor of Edo State, announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday.
However, this is just part of the story.
During his announcement in Benin City, Shaibu knelt before Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and senator representing the Edo North district.
“My father, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole,” Shaibu said, clinging to and kneeling before the senator.
“I want to assure our national chairman and all the people of APC that we have come to add value and it is time to take our state back,” Shaibu declared.
His defection was finalized less than 24 hours after he stated that his spirit had left the PDP. Shaibu rejoined the APC with leading members of the Dan Orbih-led Legacy Group.
On Wednesday, James Omotosho, presiding judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, nullified Shaibu’s removal as deputy governor of Edo, ruling that his impeachment violated legal provisions. The judge ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement and directed the inspector-general of police to restore his security.
On April 8, following Shaibu’s impeachment, Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki announced Omobayo Godwins as his new deputy.
In the lead-up to the 2020 Edo governorship election, the once-cordial relationship between Shaibu and Oshiomhole turned sour when Shaibu supported Obaseki against Oshiomhole’s wishes. Oshiomhole had been Shaibu’s political mentor at the time.
The relationship between Obaseki and Shaibu deteriorated after Shaibu declared his intention to run for the 2024 Edo governorship election.
cable