Former deputy governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, and Monday Okpebholo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, narrowly escaped death on Thursday, when suspected gunmen attacked their convoy in Benin City on Thursday, and killed a police officer.
The incident was said to have occurred close to Benin airport, after the two politicians arrived the state to a warm welcome by their supporters.
According to reports, their convoy came under attack when gunmen in a Toyota Sienna car opened fire at them at the exit gate of the airport.
There was said to be an exchange of fire between the assailants and the security operatives attached to the APC candidate and the former deputy governor, according to a witness.
Several officers continued shooting to disperse the attackers as they fled in a Toyota Sienna bus.”
However, a police officer identified as Okon, attached to the APC candidate, died during the shootout.
On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the removal of Shaibu as Deputy Governor of the state.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, James Omotosho, the presiding judge, held that Shaibu’s impeachment violated the provisions of the law.
The court declared that Shaibu’s ouster on April 8, 2024, by the Edo state house of assembly was politically motivated.
Consequently, the judge ordered his reinstatement and directed the inspector-general of police (IGP) to immediately restore the plaintiff’s security.
In June, Shaibu declared support for the APC candidate, noting that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is parading an outsider as its flagbearer.
The governorship election in Edo is slated for September 21.
