Shaibu kneels before Oshiomhole following his return to APC. Explore the significance of this gesture and its political implications.
In Benin City on Saturday, following his announcement of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu reinstated himself and knelt before Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Following the annulment of his impeachment by a federal high court, Shaibu has rejoined APC after four years apart from the party. Notably, he had initially left alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki who is now seen as his rival in politics.
At the endorsement ceremony of the APC governorship campaign council, Shaibu – who originates from the Uzairue clan in Etsako West Local Government Area like Oshiomhole – kneeled before him and grinned.
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Shaibu’s political achievements are often attributed to Oshiomhole, as reported by Obasanjonews.com. In 2007, Shaibu was elected into the Edo State House Assembly with the help of Oshiomhole’s influence during his gubernatorial campaign under Action Congress. As governor at that time, Oshiomhole continued to play a crucial role in ensuring Shaibu’s re-election in 2011 and subsequent elevation to the House of Representatives in 2015.
Afterwards, Shaibu was selected as Obaseki’s partner in the 2016 Edo gubernatorial election and they emerged triumphant under the APC banner.
Shaibu and Obaseki had a falling out with Oshiomhole prior to the 2020 Edo gubernatorial election, which led them to defect from APC to PDP. Subsequently, they emerged victorious in their new party.
It is believed that the conflict between Shaibu and Obaseki, as well as their disagreement with Oshiomhole, played a role in his removal from the APC chairmanship position in 2020. This subsequently decreased Shaibu’s political clout within the Edo North senatorial district.
Prior to Shaibu officially rejoining the APC on Saturday, Oshiomhole had emphasized that their party was not a sanctuary for politically displaced individuals. Despite this, certain members of the party in Jattu – where Shaibu’s position as deputy governor has been reinstated – staged protests against his return to the fold.
