Ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo state, two former governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Philip Shaibu and Hon. Omoregbe Ogbeide-Ihama, have collapsed their political structures for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Daily Trust reports that Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama made donations respectively to the campaign council of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Ogbeide-Ihama and Shaibu, impeached Deputy Governor of the state, contested for the PDP ticket but lost to Asue Ighodalo.
Shaibu, on his part, donated over 50 Toyota Sienna buses, music trucks, and his campaign secretariat office to the APC’s Okpebholo/DENCO Campaign Organization.
Also, Ogbeide-Ihama, a former two-time member of the House of Representatives, donated a fully equipped campaign office to the APC.
Both properties located in the heart of Benin City are to serve as a vital hub for coordinating campaign activities of the APC, as well as engaging with the electorate.
Confirming the donations, the Director, APC New Media Campaign Committee, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, said the donations would have a greater impact on the political landscape.
The involvement of such high-profile leaders from the PDP, each with a substantial followers, signals a significant realignment in the party quest to reposition Edo state.
“Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama’s support for the APC is likely to galvanize other PDP members to reconsider their positions, potentially leading to increased support for our party.”
According to him, the development marks a pivotal moment in Edo politics, reflecting the growing momentum behind the APC and its agenda for progress and development.
“As the PDP grapples with these significant contributions to the APC, we are solidifying our position and building unprecedented momentum” he said.
