The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philips Shaibu on Saturday, July 20, 2024, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr Shaibu’s defection comes hours after he survived an attack by some yet-to-be-identified gunmen in the state.
Shortly after the attack that left one of his security aides dead, Mr Shaibu said his body was in the PDP while his spirit was already in APC.
His statement came on the heels of his reinstatement as deputy governor of Edo State by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
The court in its judgement voided his impeachment by lawmakers of the state, noting that the offence upon which he was removed did not amount to misconduct.
However, in the turnout of events on Saturday, Mr Shaibu alongside other members of the PDP Legacy Coalition Group announced their defection at the inauguration of the National Campaign Council.
The council’s inauguration is for the state’s governorship election which will hold on September 21, 2024.
APC National Chairman recieves Shaibu, PDP group members
Receiving the new defectors, the chairman of the APC, Umar Ganduje said they have come to add value to the party.
The former Kano State governor said APC will certainly take over the state after the governorship poll.
Shaibu was also warmly embraced by a former Edo State governor and serving senator of the National Assembly, Adams Oshiomhole.
