By Ogochukwu Isioma
In a shocking turn of events, Hon Kingsley Ehigiamusor, the Chief of Staff to the immediate-past Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shaibu, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This development comes just a week after Hon Musa Ebomhiana, the Chief Press Secretary to Philip Shaibu, also dumped the PDP for APC. Ehigiamusor’s resignation was announced in a letter dated May 19, 2024, addressed to the Ward Chairman of the PDP in Ekekhen Ward 1, Igueben Local Government Area.
In the letter, Ehigiamusor cited the worsening state of party politics and governance in Edo State as the reason for his exit. He lamented the decline of the PDP into an “agency of government” where opposing views are met with anger and hatred.
Ehigiamusor specifically mentioned the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as a major factor in his decision, describing it as “ill-advised, uncalled for, and most unwarranted.” He also criticized the conspiracy of silence by party leaders at both state and national levels, which he believes has done a great disservice to Edo State.
With this resignation, the PDP has lost another high-ranking member, further weakening its grip on the state’s political landscape. Ehigiamusor’s defection to the APC is seen as a significant boost to the opposition party’s chances in the upcoming election. As the political landscape continues to shift, only time will tell how this development will impact the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election.
