Philip Shaibu, Top PDP Figures Defect to APC in Edo State

Former Edo State deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has led a high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move comes just ahead of the critical September 21 gubernatorial election.

The defectors, known as the legacy coalition, include influential figures such as PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) member Charles Idahosa, former Edo Assembly speakers Hon Kabir Adjoto and Frank Okiye, PDP woman leader Aisosa Amandasu, and several governorship aspirants from the PDP primaries. These aggrieved members, led by suspended PDP national Vice Chairman Chief Dan Orbih, have expressed discontent with their former party.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Shaibu, who was warmly received by APC National Chairman Dr. Umaru Ganduje, stated their intention to bring positive change to Edo State. “On behalf of the legacy coalition, we are here today to officially join the APC. We are here to take our state back to the people,” Shaibu declared.

Shaibu received a warm welcome from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, whom he referred to as his mentor and father figure.

This defection follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja on Wednesday that reinstated Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State after his impeachment by the state House of Assembly over alleged misconduct.

The political atmosphere in Edo State has been further charged by a recent incident on Thursday, where Shaibu and Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC governorship candidate, were attacked on airport road in Benin City upon their return from Abuja. The attack resulted in the tragic death of a police officer.