In a notable political development, Philip Shaibu, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, has donated his campaign secretariat office to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo/Hon Dennis Idahosa Campaign Organization.
The office, situated along Airport Road in Benin City, was previously the headquarters of Shaibu’s gubernatorial campaign until his impeachment in April.
This significant gesture includes not only the office but also several Sienna vehicles, utility trucks, and the integration of Shaibu’s campaign structure into the APC.
This move was formalized after Shaibu hosted members of the APC Campaign Council, led by Director General Senator Matthew Urhoghide, at his campaign office.
The secretariat has since undergone rebranding, with all images of Shaibu and the PDP logo being replaced with APC and Okpebholo/Idahosa branding. This has fueled speculation that Shaibu may be returning to the APC, especially following his impeachment and the nomination of Asue Ighodalo as the PDP candidate for the upcoming Edo gubernatorial election.
Shaibu, alongside other discontented 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 scheduled for September 21, 2024.
Shaibu’s impeachment came after the Edo State House of Assembly adopted a report from a seven-man committee set up by the state’s chief judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.
The committee was tasked with investigating allegations of misconduct against the deputy governor. The Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, noted that the report, presented during a plenary session in April, contained two findings and one recommendation.
While the panel did not substantiate the perjury accusation against Shaibu, it did find him guilty of disclosing government secrets. Consequently, 18 out of 19 assembly members present voted in favor of his impeachment, with one member abstaining.
This strategic donation by Shaibu marks a significant shift in Edo’s political landscape, as it strengthens the APC’s campaign machinery ahead of the crucial gubernatorial election.
