Breaking: Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu Reacts to Allegation of Defection to APC

The deputy governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, has denied reports that he is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

CITYNEWS NIGERIA reports that a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, said the report was false and was being circulated by “hack writers and mischief makers” who are bent on destabilizing the state.

The statement said Shaibu has never wavered in his loyalty to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Shaibu has never minced words, vowing to sink and swim with his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki,” the statement said. “This, he has said severally at public fora.”

The statement also said Shaibu has been on annual vacation and has not granted any interviews or authorized anyone to speak for him.

“The statement credited to me is fake,” Shaibu said. “I’m able to speak for myself, I have not authorized anybody to speak for me and I have not granted any press interviews.”

Ebomhiana urged the public to be wary of mischief makers who are trying to create division in the state.

“We call on the discerning members of the public to be wary of mischief makers, especially at this time,” he said. “The Edo project is bigger than any individual and we must all work together to ensure its success.”