Edo’s New Deputy Governor: Why I Switched from LP to PDP

Omobayo Godwins, the newly appointed deputy governor of Edo State, disclosed his departure from the Labour Party (LP) to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the latter’s promise of a more promising political future for him.

His remarks came during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, following his inauguration yesterday following the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as deputy governor by the state Assembly.

Godwins explained that his decision to switch parties was motivated by his desire to support Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming September 21 Edo governorship election.

He emphasized that his sudden assumption of the deputy governor role, shortly before the conclusion of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure, was a strategic move aimed at aiding Ighodalo’s bid to outmaneuver his main rivals, such as LP’s Olumide Akpata and the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Monday Okpebholo.

Asserting his strong grassroots support in Akoko Edo, a key locality within the Edo North Senatorial District, Godwins expressed confidence in bolstering Ighodalo’s electoral prospects.

He contrasted LP’s current state unfavorably with its condition during the 2023 polls, where he failed to secure the House of Representatives seat for Akoko-Edo Constituency due to internal conflicts and discord among party members.

In response to his impeachment, Philip Shaibu contested its legitimacy, characterizing it as a threat to democracy.