Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Saturday, dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state and officially defected to the opposition All Progressives Congress.
Shaibu, who returned to the APC in Benin, the state capital, alongside prominent members of the Dan Orbih-led Legacy Group of the PDP, assured that he was back to add value to the opposition party.
The ceremony which took place Cillidilla Event Centre at Aiyanyo Omoigui Way, Off 2nd Ugbor Road, GRA., Benin City, was witnessed by the National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Edo APC governorship candidate and his running mate, Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa, respectively, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, some governors from APC states, State Acting Chairman of APC, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, among many others.
Shaibu said, “On behalf of the Legacy Group, I announce our movement to the APC. We have come to add value to the party.
“It is time to take back our state. We will not talk too much because action will speak for us. We are not afraid. We are ready to move forward.
“We, the homeboys, are ready to take our state back through the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.
“We are not troublemakers, but if it comes, we will use it to rub our body, and we move on.”
The deputy Governor, who arrived at the venue at about 2:08 pm, walked straight to where former governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was seated and immediately knelt before him. His action drew applause from the crowd at the event.
Others who defected include Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of the PDP leader in Edo South Senatorial District and Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
