Edo APC chair visits Shaibu amid rumours of defection

The Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has paid a solidarity visit to the impeached former deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu. The visit comes barely 24 hours after Shaibu’s kinsmen in Etsako West Local Government Area staged a protest against his planned return to the APC. […]

The Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has paid a solidarity visit to the impeached former deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu.

The visit comes barely 24 hours after Shaibu’s kinsmen in Etsako West Local Government Area staged a protest against his planned return to the APC.

Daily Trust reports that the visit also comes amid speculations that Shaibu, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is set to return to the APC, the party he left in 2020 with Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking during the visit, Tenebe described Shaibu as someone who stood out and paid a price for his loyalty to the detriment of the people he started with.

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“I am here as the APC chairman in Edo State, and I still recognise him as the deputy governor of the state.

“This is because the sham they did at the House of Assembly is a disgrace to the governor and an aberration to democracy. I know the court will not allow it (impeachment) to stand.

“Your impeachment is a price that you have paid to ensure that Obaseki and his semblance are rooted out of Edo State. I can tell you that we will not allow you to work alone. When one door is closed, many more doors are opened. Many more doors are open for you from today,” Tenebe said.

In his response, Shaibu said he was pleased that the turn of events had brought him and the APC chairman together.

“I think our next step is the September 21 governorship election, and by the grace of God, we will get there,” Shaibu said.