Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has announced his support for the APC candidate in the upcoming governorship election, distancing himself from the PDP candidate. Shaibu cites his preference for a local candidate and a stance against godfatherism as his reasons.
Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has distanced himself from the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo. Shaibu expressed his preference for supporting a local candidate, which has led him to endorse the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo.
Speaking on Sunday at the 2024 Father’s Day celebration at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin City, Shaibu explained his decision to support a “homeboy” rather than the PDP candidate, whom he referred to as an outsider.
Shaibu, who was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly a few months ago, emphasized that the gubernatorial race began with himself and two other local candidates – Monday Okpebholo of the APC and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
“I came in as a homeboy. We have only two homeboys in the major political parties in Edo State. One is in Labour, and one is in APC, and I choose to follow another homeboy in the APC,” Shaibu stated.
He further warned that electing the PDP flagbearer would bring back godfatherism in Edo State, a practice he believes should be eradicated. “The man they are parading in the PDP is an outsider, and we have also agreed that there is no more godfatherism in Edo. The man the PDP is trying to portray in Edo now is the godson of Obaseki, and there is no way a godson will now be governor of Edo,” he added.
Shaibu’s stance is rooted in his belief that a local candidate is better suited to serve the interests of the people of Edo State, highlighting his commitment to supporting a candidate who understands the local dynamics and challenges.
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