A factional group of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Edo Peoples Movement, on Wednesday 13th November 2019 announced the suspension of Governor Godwin Obaseki; his Deputy, Philip Shaibu; and the Secretary to the State Government, Ogie Osarodion.
The suspension followed alleged plans by the trio to dump the ruling APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Announcing the suspension at an enlarged meeting and press briefing held at the residence of Gen. Charles Airhiavbere in Benin, Mr Patrick Ikahriale who read the speech on behalf of EPM said, “Governor Obaseki, his deputy, Phillip Shuaibu; Anslem Ojezua and Osarodion Ogie (SSG), from available information have concluded plans to defect from the APC and seek re-election on that platform.
“For us the authentic APC stakeholders in Edo State, we wholeheartedly denounce such.
We wish to state that at the appropriate time, the APC National Working Committee will initiate the process of party primaries for the selection of the party’s gubernatorial candidate.
We will abide by the guidelines for such primaries as the constitution of the party vests the responsibility of conducting primaries on the NWC".
The statement further stated that “we are prepared to give every aspirant equal opportunity to test their popularity.
We will resist any attempt to close the political space.
Consequently, the group suspends Governor Godwin Obaseki, Hon Phillip Shuaibu and Barr. Osarodion for anti-party activities and urged the National Working Committee of the APC to set the machinery in motion for further disciplinary action against them". Ikahriale stated.
