The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, has dismissed circulating claims that he intends to switch allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Recent reports had suggested an imminent move by Shaibu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, with some even citing a high-ranking APC member confirming the deputy governor’s impending induction by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) in the coming week.
However, Musa Ebomhiana, Chief Press Secretary to Shaibu, refuted these reports, branding the originators as “hack writers and mischief makers” aiming to disrupt the state’s stability. Ebomhiana remarked, “These elements will go to any lengths to create a divide between Mr. Governor, His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu. They have spun more fabrications from the depths of falsehood, asserting that Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu is plotting to return to the All-Progressives Congress, APC, next week. There is absolutely no truth in this claim.”
He went on to challenge the credibility of the narrative, pointing out, “To further debunk this, the spin doctors allege that the APC National Working Committee, NWC, is prepared to welcome him in Abuja. The pertinent question for those who think critically is whether the NWC of a party welcomes a defector into the party. Shaibu has been unequivocal in his commitment to stand with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki. He has consistently stated this in public gatherings. Therefore, I appeal to those intent on driving a wedge between Comrade Philip Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki to prioritize the Edo project and the welfare of the people above their own personal interests.”
Musa also rejected a statement attributed to Shaibu in which he allegedly discussed the disagreement between him and his boss. According to Musa, this assertion is “nothing more than the fabrication of these so-called hack writers and mischief makers. I must clarify that the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, is currently on his annual vacation, and he has neither granted an interview nor authorized anyone to speak on his behalf to either online or traditional media.”
He emphasized, “I can speak for myself; I haven’t granted permission for anyone to speak on my behalf or participated in any media interviews. The statement attributed to me is false.”
Musa concluded by advising the public to be cautious of misleading information, particularly during this period.
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