The national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has stated that the party would gladly welcome former Edo deputy governor Philip Shaibu if he chooses to join their ranks.
Basiru also expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to secure victories in both gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Edo states, News About Nigeria reports.
Both elections are scheduled for November 16.
While the APC holds sway to power in Ondo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is incumbent in Edo State.
In a press briefing in Osogbo, the capital of Osun state, Basiru explained the inclusive nature of the political party, likening it to a school where admission is determined by the school’s authorities.
He said: “I read that some people met and said that they don’t want him to join the political party… My approach is this, a political party is like a school, you cannot tell somebody that somebody should not be your classmate in the school. It is the proprietor of the school that will determine whether you should be admitted or not.
“When Shaibu applies to the relevant arm of the party, then the application will be taken and considered. A political party is a free entry and exit organisation, and in politics, the more the merrier, so the more people you can bring to your doorstep.”
Basiru said the APC’s electoral success in Edo state, where they secured two out of three senatorial seats in the 2023 general election, makes it a party to beat.
According to him, “We are confident that we are going to send Godwin Obaseki and his tea-drinking politicians out of government by the grace of God in the September 21 election.”
Shaibu was impeached on Monday, following the State House of Assembly’s decision based on a report from a seven-man panel appointed by the State’s Chief Judge.
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.
