Residents of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State took to the streets on Tuesday to express their discontent with rumoured efforts to allow the impeached former deputy governor of the state, Mr. Philip Shaibu, back into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The residents, who are from his hometown, have opposed the speculated move to readmit him into the APC fold, News About Nigeria reports.
Reports indicate that demonstrators representing the 12 wards of the council area marched to the local party headquarters, where they formally submitted a petition outlining their grievances.
Yakubu Musa, who led the demonstrators, said that Shaibu’s departure from the APC in 2020 had contributed to the party’s stability and harmony.
Speaking on behalf of APC stakeholders in Etsako West LGA, Musa said that any attempt to reintegrate Philip Shaibu would only sow discord within the party.
He said, “We are protesting over an attempt by the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, to jump boat and defect to the APC.
“The attempt is viewed seriously by members of APC as a calculated plan by Philip Shaibu to bring rancour, disharmony, and unprecedented crisis into APC.”
He urged national party leaders, including Sen. Abdullahi Ganduje, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, and state acting chairman Jaret Tenebe, to resist Shaibu’s reentry, arguing that he offered little political value to the APC.
“Philip Shaibu has not secured any electoral victory since defecting to the PDP. His return to the APC would only jeopardize the peace and unity we currently enjoy,” Musa added.
Recall that the state house of assembly on Monday voted to remove Shaibu based on findings from a seven-person panel led by Justice S.A. Omonua, which investigated an impeachment petition against him.
The panel’s report stated that the accusation of lying under oath wasn’t proven beyond doubt, but the charge of sharing government documents was confirmed against Shaibu.
In response to his impeachment, Shaibu stated in a broadcast on his official X handle that he would fight this injustice to protect Edo State and democracy’s future.
Shaibu blamed his removal on his desire to run for Edo State Governor in 2023 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), saying it’s his right as a Nigerian citizen.
He criticised the Assembly members for betraying their duty to the people who elected them.
