FORMER Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, announced on Sunday his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, ahead of the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Olumide Akpata.
Shaibu praised Okpebholo, also known as Akpakomiza, for possessing the “homeboy” qualities needed for effective governance in Edo State.
Speaking to journalists at the Fathers’ Day celebration at St Paul Catholic Church in Benin City, Shaibu criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as a product of godfatherism, a practice Shaibu claims was eradicated from Edo State politics under former governor Adams Oshiomhole. Shaibu emphasized his continued learning from Governor Godwin Obaseki, who promotes the idea that everyone has the right to support their chosen candidate.
Shaibu expressed his desire for a “homeboy” leader, someone who understands the local issues and the needs of the people. He explained that although he had intended to run for governor, he now supports Okpebholo because he views him as a genuine homeboy, in contrast to Ighodalo, whom he described as an outsider and a godson of Obaseki.
Shaibu dismissed concerns about engaging in anti-party activities, pointing out that in the previous election, Governor Obaseki himself was seen supporting both the Labour Party and the PDP. He argued that his endorsement of Okpebholo is about choosing a candidate who genuinely understands the plight of the people over a candidate with a polished, yet impractical, approach to governance.
Highlighting Okpebholo’s grassroots connections and authenticity, Shaibu stated, “When Akpata and Akpakomiza get home to their people, they speak their language. I have chosen one out of the two because I see Akpakomiza as an innocent politician, somebody that is grassroots-oriented, somebody that is truly a homeboy.”
Credit: Vanguard
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