In a significant political development, Philip Shaibu, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, has made a notable contribution to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo/Hon Dennis Idahosa Campaign Organization by donating his campaign secretariat office. This office, which is located along Airport Road in Benin City, previously served as the headquarters for Shaibu’s gubernatorial campaign until his impeachment in April.
This generous gesture goes beyond just the office space itself. It also includes the donation of several Sienna vehicles and utility trucks, as well as the integration of Shaibu’s campaign structure into the APC. To formalize this move, Shaibu recently hosted members of the APC Campaign Council, led by Director General Senator Matthew Urhoghide, at his campaign office.
Since then, the secretariat has undergone rebranding, with all images of Shaibu and the PDP logo being replaced with APC and Okpebholo/Idahosa branding. This has led to speculation that Shaibu may be considering a return to the APC, especially in light of his impeachment and the nomination of Asue Ighodalo as the PDP candidate for the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election.
It is worth noting that Shaibu, along with other dissatisfied former PDP governorship aspirants and members of the Chief Dan Orbih-led Legacy PDP Group, had previously declared their refusal to support Ighodalo in the forthcoming election, which is scheduled for September 21, 2024.
Shaibu’s impeachment came about after the Edo State House of Assembly adopted a report from a seven-man committee that was established by the state’s chief judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. This committee was tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct against the deputy governor. During a plenary session in April, the report was presented and it contained two findings and one recommendation.
While the panel did not find sufficient evidence to support the perjury accusation against Shaibu, it did find him guilty of disclosing government secrets. As a result, 18 out of the 19 assembly members present voted in favor of his impeachment.
