- Philip Shaibu and Hon. Omoregbe Ogbeide-Ihama shifted support to APC candidate, contributing resources like buses, offices, and campaign materials
- Their backing, including donations of key campaign resources, is seen as a major realignment and boost for APC in Edo politics
Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, two former governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Philip Shaibu and Hon. Omoregbe Ogbeide-Ihama, have shifted their support to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama, who both contested for the PDP ticket but lost to Asue Ighodalo, have significantly contributed to the campaign of APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo. Shaibu, the impeached Deputy Governor of the state, donated over 50 Toyota Sienna buses, music trucks, and his campaign secretariat office to the APC’s Okpebholo/DENCO Campaign Organization.
Ogbeide-Ihama, a former two-time member of the House of Representatives, provided a fully equipped campaign office to the APC. These properties, located in the heart of Benin City, are set to become crucial hubs for coordinating campaign activities and engaging with voters.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Director of the APC New Media Campaign Committee, confirmed the donations, emphasizing their significant impact on the political landscape. He highlighted that supporting high-profile PDP leaders like Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama, each with substantial followings, represents a major realignment in Edo State politics.
“Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama’s backing of the APC is expected to encourage other PDP members to reconsider their positions, potentially boosting support for our party,” Omo-Ikirodah said.
He described this development as a pivotal moment in Edo politics, reflecting the growing momentum behind the APC and its agenda for progress and development.
“As the PDP grapples with these significant defections to the APC, we are solidifying our position and building unprecedented momentum,” he added.