By DADA AYOKHAI
The former governor of Edo State and now the senator representing the Edo North senatorial district in the Senate, Senator Adams Oshiomole seemed to have changed his earlier stance on the APC.
His prior declaration in August of 2023 denounced the party as a rehabilitation centre for failed politicians and losers, expressing disdain for the party’s acceptance of various politicians following their fallout with their former party.
However, he recently joined Edo State APC stalwarts in welcoming Hon Philip Shaibu into the party fold, despite the well-known and reported political feud between the two of them.
Recall that Philip Shaibu rift with Governor Obaseki took a worrisome dimension, leaving Senator Adams Oshiomhole with no option than to advise the former against defecting to opposition party stating that the APC is not a rehabilitation centre or IDP Camp.
Oshiomhole who spoke in Benin exactly one year ago during a condolence visit to the family of the late Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri said “Regardless of party divide, it is my wish for Edo to be governed in peace and harmony.
“But what I read about somebody going to court to complain about being suspected of being impeached, I don’t know how courts adjudicate over suspicion.
“But let me say this, to say that somebody wants to run to the APC, I want to say APC is not a rehabilitation centre. I can tell you that for free.
“We in APC are satisfied the way we are; we are happy in opposition and we are not about to receive people who are coming because they have lost out. I want to say that there is no IDP camp in APC.
“So my advice is that those who are having challenges, should learn how to respect their bosses. I have always advised people that whoever you work with, be loyal.
“I was here and I was unable to support my deputy to succeed me, but my deputy never took me to court. And if there are people who always profit from crises, they cannot have my support.” Oshiomhole said.
Shaibu was accompanied by prominent members of the Dan Orbih-led Legacy Group of the PDP as he returned to the opposition APC., which essentially was believed was not a rehabilitation centre , until today.
Shaibu who has found his way back to his former political leader, godfather and former Governor of the state,Senator Adams Oshiomhole, knelt before him, drawing applause from party supporters.
Hon Shaibu had for long been rumoured to be on his way out of the PDP given his fallout with his principal, Gov Obaseki and other notable Edo PDP leaders
His decision to tarry a while in the PDP when he ought to have defected a long time ago according to political pundits was seen as a deliberate attempt to cause friction and also weaken the ruling party through some of his notable antiparty activities
He said, “On behalf of the Legacy Group, I announce our movement to the APC. We have come to add value to the party.
“It is time to take back our state. We will not talk too much because action will speak for us. We are not afraid. We are ready to move forward.
“We, the homeboys, are ready to take our state back through the APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa.
“We are not troublemakers, but if it comes, we will use it to rub our body, and we move on.”
