Edo State’s reinstated Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legacy coalition. One can’t help but wonder, will the APC now drop their candidate and crown Shaibu as their new candidate? The absurdity of this political drama is almost too rich to believe.
What a state indeed! Our beloved Governor, the “General among nations,” has turned Edo into a political circus. First, he fights tooth and nail to impeach Shaibu, replaces him, and then a court reinstates Shaibu. And now, Shaibu, not missing a beat, switches allegiance to the APC. Truly, “Edo no dey carry last” because this shambolic politics is unmatched anywhere else.
What They Are saying
Shaibu’s grand defection occurred at the APC Edo State’s National Working Committee inauguration meeting for the upcoming governorship election. The event was graced by political heavyweights, including former Kano State Governor and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Cross River Governor Bassey Otu, Edo State APC Chairman Jarett Tenebe, APC Governorship Candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the ever-controversial Adams Oshiomhole.
Declaring his newfound allegiance to the APC, Shaibu was welcomed into the fold by the party’s National Organising Secretary. This move follows Shaibu’s accusations that Governor Godwin Obaseki barred him from entering Edo State. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shaibu lamented, “The governor has told his men they must not allow me into town. I am a free-born of Edo State; nobody can stop me from entering Edo State.”
Shaibu’s woes began when he announced his intention to run for the governorship under the PDP in November 2023. He alleges Obaseki vowed to destroy him—a promise Shaibu believes Obaseki is keen on keeping. “I didn’t know he (Obaseki) would arm them (gunmen) that much,” Shaibu remarked, referring to an attack in Benin City that left a police inspector dead. He recalled Obaseki’s ominous declaration: “If I continued, he would destroy me.”
Why It Matters
On returning to Benin City, Shaibu’s convoy, along with that of APC candidate Monday Okpebholo, was ambushed by suspected gunmen. The ensuing chaos resulted in the tragic death of Inspector Okon. Amidst this turmoil, Shaibu remains steadfast in his mission to preserve the integrity of the deputy governor’s office, despite accusing Obaseki of withholding his salary for the past year. “I am fighting to bring back the sanity of the office of the deputy governor, not for my personal gain,” Shaibu stated. “The governor has not paid me for the past year and I know he is not going to pay me for the remaining four months.”
Bottom Line
So here we are. Another day in the life of Edo State politics—where drama, betrayal, and theatrics reign supreme.
