Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu has given reasons why he returned to All Progressives Congress, (APC), saying “the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds a special place in my heart”.
The reinstated Deputy Governor said this on Saturday when he officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
“It is a triumphant homecoming for me, as I officially return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party where I am accepted, valued, and welcomed with open arms.
“The party holds a special place in my heart, and where I have shared countless memories. I am grateful to be back among the people and community that have always supported me, and to reunite with my political family,” he stated.
APC Chieftain in Edo State Senator Adams Oshiomhole, whom Shaibu refers to as his father, warmly welcomed the reinstated Deputy Governor back into the APC on Saturday.
Recall that the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo was a member of the APC until 16 June 2020 when he resigned membership of the party.
Shaibu was embraced by Oshiomhole when he alongside other members of the PDP legacy coalition group announced his defection in Benin at the inauguration of the National Campaign Council of the party for the September 21 Governorship election in the State.
Dr Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), who also received the Deputy Governor, said they have come to add value to the party.
According to him, the opposition party will certainly take over the state after the governorship poll.
Recall trouble started for Shaibu in the PDP when he showed interest in the governorship seat.
The ambition pitched the deputy governor against his principal, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, which eventually led to the impeachment of the deputy on March 18 by the State House of Assembly.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, however, voided the impeachment on Wednesday, noting that the offence upon which he was removed did not amount to misconduct.
Earlier, Chairman of the APC in Edo, Jarrett Tenebe had on Friday paid Shaibu a solidarity visit, following and attack that led to the death of a police officer at Benin Airport.
Shaibu alleged that the attack was targeted at his life and that it was perpetrated by state-sponsored thugs.
Tenebe, joined by other APC chieftains, unequivocally condemned the heinous act and celebrated the recent victory of Shaibu at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“During our meeting, we honoured the memory of the gallant police officer attached to the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s security detail, who tragically lost his life in the unwarranted attack, with a minute of silence — May his soul rest in peace!
“I appreciate the APC Chairman’s unwavering support and kind words, which have consistently lifted my spirits throughout this ordeal with the state government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His leadership and care are exemplary, and I commend him for embodying the true spirit of leadership,” he stated