Senator Adams Oshiomhole has labeled the return of Philip Shaibu to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as just the “nature of politics.”
What They Are saying
Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo State, finds himself back under the wing of his former mentor, Oshiomhole, after a draining period of political maneuvering. This saga is a prime example of the political flip-flopping that characterizes the Nigerian political arena. Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State, once had Shaibu as his political protégé. However, the political winds shifted dramatically following the second-term victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Shaibu, which saw them abandon the APC ship for the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Now, in a twist that only Nigerian politics could serve up, Shaibu has returned to the APC, seeking refuge after falling out with Obaseki. Oshiomhole, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, dismissed Shaibu’s return as nothing extraordinary, chalking it up to the usual ebb and flow of political allegiance.
“That’s the nature of politics,” Oshiomhole said, with a hint of amusement. “People switch parties as it suits their ambitions and circumstances. It’s all part of the game.”
This candid assessment from Oshiomhole underscores the fluidity and opportunism that many argue are inherent in Nigerian politics. Political loyalty, it seems, is often a temporary affair, subject to the whims and strategic calculations of the moment.
Why It Matters
Shaibu’s political journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Initially groomed by Oshiomhole, he followed his mentor’s footsteps within the APC. However, the duo’s relationship soured amidst the heated political battles leading up to Obaseki’s second-term bid. The fallout was severe enough to push both Obaseki and Shaibu into the arms of the PDP.
But political alliances are notoriously fickle. After a period of discord with Obaseki, Shaibu has made his way back to the APC fold, seeking new alliances and opportunities. Oshiomhole’s nonchalant response to this move highlights a broader acceptance of such political realignments as par for the course in Nigeria’s dynamic political theater.
Bottom Line
Oshiomhole’s remarks have ignited discussions across political circles, with many debating the implications of Shaibu’s return for both the APC and PDP in Edo State. Some see it as a strategic masterstroke, while others view it as yet another example of the cynical nature of political maneuvering in Nigeria.
