Former Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, announced on Sunday that he has learned significant political lessons from his former boss, Governor Godwin Obaseki. Shaibu also declared his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Olumide Akpata.
Shaibu cited Okpebholo’s deep connection with local issues as a key reason for his endorsement.
Speaking to journalists during the Fathers’ Day celebration at St. Paul Catholic Church in Benin City, Shaibu criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, labeling him as a product of political godfatherism.
He emphasized that godfatherism, a practice opposed by former governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and halted in the 2020 elections, should not return to Edo politics.
“I am a lifelong learner, and continuous learning is essential. Governor Obaseki emphasizes that everyone has the right to support any candidate. While he believes in this freedom, it’s equally my right to decide my own support. I support a homegrown candidate who understands our local issues and needs,” Shaibu stated.
Shaibu highlighted his own gubernatorial ambitions, motivated by a desire to see a local leader govern Edo State. He acknowledged that, in the current political landscape, only two candidates from major parties qualify as true “home boys”: one from the Labour Party and the other from the APC. Shaibu has chosen to support the APC’s Okpebholo, dismissing the PDP’s candidate as an outsider connected to Obaseki.
When asked if his support for an APC candidate would be seen as anti-party activity, given his PDP membership, Shaibu responded, “It’s not anti-party. In the last election, Governor Obaseki was involved with both the Labour Party and the PDP, so this cannot be considered anti-party.”
Commenting on Okpebholo’s capabilities, Shaibu said, “We need a leader who understands the people’s struggles. A person who has never voted cannot effectively seek our votes. We need a grounded, grassroots politician. I see Okpebholo, known as Akpakomiza, as an honest, locally connected candidate. When he and Akpata address their communities, they speak the local language. I support Akpakomiza because he is genuinely one of us.”
