Philip Shaibu Explains His Surprising Political Shift in Edo State Governorship Election
In an unexpected political twist, Hon. Philip Shaibu, Edo State’s former Deputy Governor, has publicly endorsed Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress for governor.
Amidst the Fathers’ day celebrations at St Paul Catholic Church in Benin City, Shaibu expressed his preference for Okpebholo’s intrinsic understanding of Edo’s challenges over the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, whom he labeled a byproduct of the now-obsolete godfatherism.
Shaibu highlighted his political evolution, crediting Governor Godwin Obaseki for teaching him that support should be based on personal conviction rather than party lines.
He emphasized the importance of a “homeboy” governor who can empathize with the citizens’ needs, dismissing Ighodalo as an outsider and reaffirming his stance against godfatherism—a sentiment he believes is shared by the people of Edo.
Despite potential accusations of anti-party activities due to his PDP membership, Shaibu remains undeterred.
He draws parallels between his situation and Obaseki’s previous campaign strategies, suggesting that loyalty to the people supersedes party allegiance. His endorsement of Okpebholo is rooted in a belief that governance should be about understanding and addressing the people’s needs, not just fluent English without substance.
Shaibu’s endorsement is a significant boost for Okpebholo, whom he sees as a grassroots politician with genuine connections to the community. This move could reshape the political landscape in Edo State as voters look for leaders who resonate with their daily experiences.
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