In a significant political development, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, and prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday.
The defection took place during the inauguration of the National Campaign Council by the APC National Chairman, Abdulahi Ganduje, in Benin.
Shaibu, who was reinstated by an Abuja High Court on Wednesday, led the Legacy Group into the APC, stating that they had come to add value to the party. “We have come to take back our state. We will not talk too much because action will speak for us,” he declared.
Ganduje, while inaugurating the National Campaign Council, received the defectors and expressed confidence that the APC would win the September 21 governorship election. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu would attend a grand rally in Benin soon.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole lamented that the development legacy of his administration had not been sustained by the current government. He praised the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his empathy and contributions to security in Esan land.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the PDP in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, wished Shaibu well in his new endeavour, stating that the party would not be depleted by his exit. He revealed that more people were joining the PDP due to Shaibu’s departure.
