[Edo] Shaibu Sparks Controversy: Backs APC’s ‘Homeboy’ Candidate, Slams PDP’s Ighodalo

 

• Shaibu justifies his support for Okpebholo as a “homeboy” who understands state issues, criticizes Ighodalo as an “outsider” and a product of godfatherism

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned former deputy governor Philip Shaibu’s remarks regarding their gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Shaibu, a PDP member, expressed his endorsement of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, for the forthcoming governorship election.

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Shaibu justified his stance by asserting that Okpebholo, as a “homeboy,” comprehends the state’s issues, whereas he labeled Ighodalo as an “outsider” and a product of godfatherism.

“I chose to follow the homeboy in the APC. The man they are parading in the PDP is an outsider and we have also agreed that no more godfatherism in Edo. The man the PDP is parading is the godson of Obaseki and there is no way a godson can be governor of Edo State again,” Shaibu had said

The PDP has responded by calling Shaibu’s reasons “baseless” and contradictory, as he remains a member of the party while working against its candidate.

The party’s Deputy Director General of Media, Rev. Olu Martin, urged Shaibu to resign from the PDP and join the APC if he truly supports their candidate.

Martin argued that Ighodalo’s candidacy is not defined by his upbringing in the state, and that Shaibu’s arguments are weak.

“Because the candidate didn’t grow up in Edo, doesn’t make him a stranger in his own state.

“I thought Shaibu would tell us that the candidate he wants to support has the capacity, intelligent, knack for excellence and smartnees, which are the hallmarks of a great leader,” Martin said in a voice note sent to journalists on Monday.

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The party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has the backing of Governor Godwin Obaseki, while Shaibu, who fell out with Obaseki, was impeached earlier this year.

The gubernatorial election is scheduled for September 21.

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