In a surprising turn of events, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State have taken a stand against the possible defection of the impeached deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, to their party. The Edo State House of Assembly recently impeached Shaibu following allegations of misconduct and perjury.

The decision to impeach Shaibu came after a thorough investigation by a seven-man panel appointed by the chief judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa. The panel found Shaibu guilty of divulging state secrets but did not find enough evidence to support the perjury allegations against him.

In response to the news of Shaibu’s potential return to the APC, members of the party in Etsako West LGA organized a peaceful protest, expressing their concerns about the implications of his readmission. The protesters, representing all 12 wards in the local government, marched to the party secretariat with placards, highlighting their opposition to Shaibu’s return.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Yakubu Musa emphasized that Shaibu’s departure from the APC in 2020 had brought peace and unity to the party. He argued that Shaibu’s lack of electoral success since joining the PDP made him a liability to the APC, and his readmission could lead to internal conflicts and division within the party.

Despite the protests, Shaibu’s chief press secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, dismissed the demonstration as a ploy to discredit his boss. He asserted that Shaibu has the right to join any political party he chooses and that no one can dictate his political affiliations.

As tensions rise within the APC in Edo State, the fate of Philip Shaibu remains uncertain. Will the party leadership heed the calls of its members in Etsako West LGA, or will Shaibu defy the odds and make a triumphant return to the party? Only time will tell.