In a significant development, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, is set to make a move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming week, unless unforeseen circumstances arise, following his rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki.
A confidential source within the ruling party revealed that the APC's National Working Committee (NWC) is slated to formally welcome him into the party's fold early next week.
However, this potential defection is encountering obstacles due to the firm stance of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former national chairman of the APC and a two-term governor of Edo State. Oshiomhole remarked that the APC should not serve as a refuge for distressed politicians, seemingly referring to Shaibu's reported move.
Notably, Oshiomhole had previously denied both Governor Obaseki and Deputy Governor Shaibu the party's re-election tickets during his tenure as APC chairman. This led them to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where they secured tickets and won re-election in 2018.
Despite these developments, Shaibu himself has distanced from reports of his switch to the APC, dismissing it as a falsehood. He reiterated his unwavering loyalty to Governor Obaseki, asserting that he would stand by him through thick and thin.
In a related legal twist, the Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed its earlier order from August 4, which halted an alleged plot to impeach Shaibu from his position as deputy governor. The court has rescheduled the hearing for August 22 and has instructed all parties involved to maintain the status quo until the case is resolved.
Shaibu's potential return to the APC aligns with the predictions of political analysts and comes subsequent to his move to seek an injunction against the alleged impeachment scheme through legal channels. Governor Obaseki viewed this legal action as a preemptive measure ahead of Shaibu's purported shift to the APC.
A source with credible information confirmed the impending defection, revealing that Shaibu has been in talks with both state and national leadership within the APC, signaling his intent to rejoin the party. The source highlighted that Shaibu and his supporters are prepared to make this transition.
Governor Obaseki expressed surprise and disappointment over Shaibu's legal maneuver, suggesting it might be a strategic move to secure his position before joining another party.
In response to these reports, Shaibu's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebomhiana Musa, labeled them as baseless and asserted Shaibu's commitment to stand by Governor Obaseki, reiterating that Shaibu has repeatedly declared his loyalty.
In a separate judicial update, the Federal High Court adjourned proceedings to August 22 and upheld its prior order for all parties involved to maintain the status quo regarding the alleged impeachment plot against Shaibu. The defendants include the Inspector General of Police, State Security Service, Governor Obaseki, Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, and the Chief Judge of Edo State. Some defendants failed to file necessary documents, leading to the adjournment.
In summary, the anticipated defection of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu to the APC is creating ripples within the political landscape of Edo State. This move is laden with legal and political complexities, with court orders and statements from key figures shaping the trajectory of events.
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