Philip Shaibu, the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, has responded to Senator Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the off-cycle governorship election that took place on September 21st in the state.
Senator Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged as the winner of the fiercely contested election, surpassing his closest competitor, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the APC candidate secured 291,667 votes, while Ighodalo garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) trailed behind in third place with 22,761 votes.
While using his official social media account, Shaibu, who had a rift with Governor Obaseki prior to the election, expressed his joy over “the triumph of democracy in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State.”
He praised the people of Edo for their perseverance, tolerance, and their enthusiastic engagement in the electoral process.
He said, “Your voices were heard through your votes for Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa of the All Progressives Congress. I say a big congratulations to the newly elected governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“This victory solidifies the power of the people, affirming the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Thank you, Edo State, and congratulations to the APC family.”
Shaibu switched his allegiance to the APC in July this year after previously belonging to the APC until 2020 when he shifted to the PDP alongside Governor Obaseki.
He faced impeachment by the state House of Assembly on April 8, 2024, on grounds of severe misconduct and divulging government confidential information.
Subsequently, in July, a Federal High Court in Abuja overturned his removal from office, leading to his reinstatement.
In August this year, the Appeal Court upheld his position as the deputy governor of the state.
