Oshiomhole Claims Edo’s Philip Shaibu Has Joined APC Amidst Ongoing Political Tension

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that Philip Shaibu, the embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, has officially decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a tumultuous relationship with Governor Godwin Obaseki.

According to Oshiomhole, Shaibu’s decision to switch parties is a direct result of the frustration and maltreatment he experienced under Obaseki’s administration.

These accusations were made by the senator during the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Saturday.

Oshiomhole’s bold claims come at a crucial time, as Edo State prepares for its highly anticipated gubernatorial election on 21st September, where residents will elect their next governor.

Key candidates in the race include Monday Okpebholo of the APC, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumide Akpata representing the Labour Party (LP).

For months, tensions between Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, have been making headlines, with their once-strong political alliance collapsing under the weight of internal disputes.

The disagreements between the two officials became so severe that Shaibu faced impeachment by the Edo State House of Assembly.

However, Shaibu was later reinstated by an Appeal Court in Abuja, temporarily easing the political crisis in Edo State.

Oshiomhole, in his address at the campaign rally, attributed Shaibu’s decision to leave the PDP for APC to these ongoing struggles.

He accused Governor Obaseki of being responsible for the deputy governor’s grievances and eventual departure from the party. “It’s only under Obaseki’s government that a deputy governor has had to decamp to the APC out of sheer frustration,” Oshiomhole remarked, placing the blame squarely on the governor.

Shaibu’s departure from the PDP, if confirmed, signals a significant shift in the political landscape of Edo State.

It would represent a dramatic realignment of forces ahead of the upcoming election, potentially changing the dynamic of the race and the fortunes of the candidates involved.

In addition to revealing Shaibu’s alleged defection, Adams Oshiomhole also launched a scathing attack on Governor Obaseki’s handling of state finances.

The senator accused Obaseki of diverting funds and federal allocations intended for state projects into his own personal accounts.

Oshiomhole’s allegations of financial mismanagement have added fuel to the fire of the political conflict, painting Obaseki as a leader who is more interested in self-enrichment than in the welfare of the state.

The claims of financial mismanagement were not new, but coming from a prominent figure like Oshiomhole during a campaign rally, they have reignited discussions about the governor’s performance.

Oshiomhole has a long history of rivalry with Obaseki, dating back to their fallout after Obaseki succeeded him as governor of Edo State.

This rivalry has often been a focal point of political discourse in the state, with both men frequently exchanging harsh criticisms.

Oshiomhole’s accusations have the potential to influence voters, especially in light of the upcoming elections.

He also referenced a recent incident in which a policeman assigned to the APC’s governorship candidate was killed, accusing Obaseki of not taking any action to apprehend the culprits.

“They killed the policeman attached to our governor-in-waiting, but Obaseki warned that they should not be arrested,” Oshiomhole alleged, further criticising the governor’s leadership style.

The political landscape in Edo State has become increasingly volatile as the 21st September governorship election draws nearer.

The key candidates, Monday Okpebholo (APC), Asue Ighodalo (PDP), and Olumide Akpata (LP), are all seen as strong contenders with varying degrees of political support and influence.

The allegations of corruption against Obaseki, along with the purported defection of his deputy, could significantly impact voter sentiment in the state. While the PDP has long been a dominant force in Edo, these developments may alter the balance of power, particularly if Shaibu’s move to APC proves to be true.

Furthermore, the political strife between Obaseki and Shaibu has cast a shadow over the PDP’s campaign, as internal discord can weaken a party’s prospects in any election.

Oshiomhole’s speech at the UNIBEN rally also underscored the high stakes of this election, with the former governor of Edo State vowing that the APC is ready to take back control of the state’s leadership.

He urged voters to reject Obaseki’s administration and support the APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as the best choice to lead Edo State forward.

As the political atmosphere in Edo State intensifies ahead of the governorship election, the alleged defection of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu to the APC could prove to be a game-changer.

While Oshiomhole’s claims have yet to be officially confirmed by Shaibu himself, they have added a dramatic twist to an already tense political race.

The allegations of corruption against Governor Obaseki, coupled with the ongoing feud with his deputy, have created an environment of uncertainty and intrigue.

The people of Edo State will ultimately decide their next leader on 21st September, and the outcome of this election will be crucial in determining the future political direction of the state.

As campaigns wind down and voters prepare to cast their ballots, all eyes will be on Edo to see how these last-minute developments shape the final result.