Shaibu denies rift with Obaseki, defection plans

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu, yesterday, denied any rift between him and Governor Godwin Obaseki, as well as his rumoured plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Some media reports had alleged that Shaibu had concluded arrangements to dump the PDP for an undisclosed party, following a rift with Obaseki over the running of the state.

Shaibu and some party stalwarts reportedly held several meetings outside the country last week, where the arrangements were finalised.

But in a statement issued in Benin City, yesterday, by Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Governor, Ebomhiana Musa, denied the claims.

Musa described the reports of his principal’s alleged defection as false and a figment of the authors’ imagination insisting that Shaibu travelled abroad on vacation to spend some time with his family.

When contacted on telephone, state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, denied any rift in the state chapter of the party.