Edo guber: Why I am supporting opposition candidate, Obaseki’s ex-deputy speaks

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

A former deputy governor of Edo state, Philip Shaibu, has declared support for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, in the upcoming September 21 governorship election.

Philip Shaibu moves on after battle with Obaseki

Shaibu made this disclosure on Sunday, June 16, during the 2024 Father’s Day celebration at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Recall that Shaibu was recently impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly. This move, ended long months of tussle between him and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki over the former’s move to contest the Edo governorship election.

Moving on, Philip Shaibu and Hon. Omoregbe Ogbeide-Ihama, integrated their political structures into supporting the APC candidate.

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Shaibu gives reason for supporting Okpebholo

According to Shaibu, the governorship race started with three homeboys- himself, a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okpebholo, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

But since he had dropped out of the race, his preferred choice is his homeboy, Okpebholo, Channels TV reported.

Speaking further, Shaibu noted that Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki has said everyone was free to choose who to support in any election, the reason he has come out publicly to back the APC governorship candidate in the election despite his PDP membership.

As reported by Vanguard, he stressed that his support for the opposition is not anti-party, adding even Governor Obaseki in the last election, was partly PDP and LP.

“I will support a homeboy. I came into politics to contest as the governor of Edo State because I need the government to return to homeboys – people who understand our plight, people who understand what the people are feeling. Even the United Nations talks about the need for assessment. We don’t want outsiders, we have experimented with outsiders and it’s not working. So, this time around, we want homeboy,” he said.

Edo Guber: Obaseki's brother dumps PDP

In another report, Benjamin Obaseki, another prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state, has decided to leave the party.

Benjamin, who is a relative of Governor Obaseki, was a member of Ward 10 and a former official of the Oredo Local Government chapter of the party.

This was contained in a letter dated June 12, 2024, addressed to the local government chairman of the party, Obaseki expressed his resignation with deep regret.

Source: Legit.ng