Philip Shaibu, the immediate-past deputy governor of Edo State, has defended his decision to support Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming governorship election slated for September 21.

Speaking to journalists during the Father’s Day celebration at St. Paul Catholic Church in Benin City, Shaibu emphasized that supporting a candidate of his choice falls within his inalienable rights, much like Governor Godwin Obaseki’s backing of Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.

Shaibu criticized Ighodalo as a product of godfatherism, a concept he claims has been eradicated from Edo State’s political history—a movement initially championed by former governor Adams Oshiomhole and supported by the incumbent governor in the 2020 election. Despite this, Shaibu acknowledged learning new political strategies from Governor Obaseki.

“I am a very good learner and learning is what is most important in our lives,” Shaibu said. He underscored his right to support any candidate, echoing Obaseki’s own sentiments about political freedom. Shaibu emphasized his desire to support a “home boy,” someone who understands the local plight, contrasting this with what he described as unsuccessful experimentation with outsiders.

Shaibu, who remains a PDP member, dismissed allegations of anti-party activity, drawing a parallel to Governor Obaseki’s dual support for both the Labour Party and the PDP in the last election. He praised Okpebholo’s grassroots connection and understanding of the people’s needs, contrasting it with Ighodalo’s perceived detachment and godfather links.

“Enough of English that takes us nowhere, we are talking about governance, the man that understands the plight of the people,” Shaibu stated, adding that his choice between the APC and Labour Party candidates was clear, favoring Okpebholo for his genuine grassroots ties and political innocence.