Philip Shaibu Returns to APC Amid Ongoing Rift with Governor Obaseki

Philip Shaibu Returns to APC Amid Ongoing Rift with Governor Obaseki

Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC). His return was announced during the inauguration of the APC Edo State National Working Committee for the upcoming governorship election on Saturday, July 20.

At the event, the 54-year-old Shaibu publicly confirmed his decision to return to the APC and was officially welcomed by the party’s National Organising Secretary.

This move comes amid rising tensions between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki. On Friday, July 19, Shaibu accused Obaseki of trying to block his return to Edo State. In an interview on Channels Television's "Politics Today," Shaibu claimed that he had received information indicating that Obaseki had directed his allies to prevent him from entering the state.

“I am a native of Edo State; no one can stop me from entering Edo State,” Shaibu declared during the interview. “The constitution does not allow anyone to bar me from entering Edo State, not even when I am a deputy governor. Even as an ordinary citizen, I have that right and freedom.”

Shaibu also alleged that Obaseki had threatened to derail his governorship aspirations within the PDP, claiming the governor vowed to destroy his political career if he pursued the governorship ticket.

Moreover, Shaibu accused Obaseki of orchestrating an attack on his convoy on Thursday, July 18, in Benin City, which led to the death of a police officer. He suggested that this attack was a direct result of Obaseki’s earlier threats.

Shaibu’s defection back to the APC is a significant development in Edo State’s political scene, heightening the already tense political atmosphere.