Obaseki: Shaibu’s Court Action A Preemptive Move Ahead Of His Defection to APC

The ongoing feud between Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, has taken a new twist as the governor denied knowledge of any plan to impeach his deputy. This development comes as leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Edo North reaffirmed their support for Obaseki.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City during a visit by Edo North leaders, Governor Obaseki stated that Shaibu’s move to seek a court order to halt his alleged impeachment was preemptive, given his anticipated defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obaseki revealed that Shaibu had been engaging with senior figures at both the national and state levels of the APC, indicating his intention to switch parties.

“I want to clarify that I am not aware of any plot or scheme to impeach Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu. I have investigated, and there is no such plan. Therefore, the court action taken by him is both shocking and disappointing,” Governor Obaseki remarked. He expressed his surprise at Shaibu’s actions, given the latitude he had been granted to perform his role as deputy governor.

Obaseki pointed out that recent events indicated a preemptive move on Shaibu’s part to conclude his ongoing negotiations with the APC. The governor referenced previous disagreements over local government chairmanship candidates and noted Shaibu’s subsequent interactions with opposition parties.

“In light of these actions, I believe that Philip Shaibu’s move is to secure a court order, retain his ticket, and switch parties. This situation is unfair to our party, and we do not need such a crisis. While I am not angry, I am naturally disappointed. I understand the motivations behind this move,” Governor Obaseki said.

He thanked supporters for their solidarity and urged them to remain focused on consolidating and uniting the party.

Meanwhile, PDP leaders from Edo North, led by former Speaker of the House of Assembly Kabiru Adjoto, criticized Shaibu’s actions. Adjoto expressed surprise and embarrassment at Shaibu’s “ill-advised mission” to rule the state at all costs. He emphasized that initiating a court action against a sitting governor without justifiable cause was unprecedented and unacceptable.

Jimoh Ijegbai, a former deputy chief of staff to Governor Obaseki who served in Shaibu’s office, echoed these sentiments. He labeled the situation a distraction, particularly since the election timetable has not yet been released by INEC. Ijegbai emphasized that the people of Owan, their hometown, stood by Obaseki and did not support Shaibu’s alleged impeachment.

As the controversy continues, Chief Press Secretary to Shaibu, Musa Ebomhiana, declined to comment on the allegations, citing medical leave.