Former Edo deputy governor Shaibu says he knew PDP was a dying party

•‘I’m mobilising past NANS leaders for Tinubu’

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of Edo State and current Director‑General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), discusses the challenges facing Nigeria and the role of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in addressing them. He attributes the recent wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the president’s leadership style and explains why he believes the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is “dying.” The interview also touches on Shaibu’s efforts to mobilise former National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leaders.

2027 is fast approaching. Do you think APC has any chance, bearing in mind the hardship in the country?

“If this is a yes‑or‑no question, I would say yes. But I will explain why.” Shaibu said, drawing on his experience in sports administration. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made sports a priority since taking office. He strengthened the Sports Commission by increasing its budget and appointed me as DG of NIS. Within six months, we revamped the institute’s curriculum and expanded its presence from Lagos and Abuja to all six geopolitical zones, filling more than 500,000 coaching gaps. Sports, in his view, is a tool for unity, diversification and youth engagement.”

“Reforms inevitably bring hardship. Even at NIS, the progress we have made required significant effort. The president is working to solidify a foundation that has long been cracked. While this process is painful, it is necessary to build a stronger system for the second term.”

What will the APC be campaigning with? What will they be presenting as their achievements?

Shaibu noted that the president has reshaped Nigeria’s economic narrative. “We had a ‘fake economy’ that was being managed without real substance. The president has been honest about the removal of subsidies, which has increased state and local government revenue. He has also encouraged governors to use the additional funds for development.” He added that the president’s approach mirrors his earlier work in Lagos, where he faced criticism but ultimately delivered results. “The president’s commitment to sports and other reforms shows his willingness to change.”

“Officials must take responsibility for the work they have been given. While hardships will continue, they are part of rebuilding a system that has been damaged for decades. Patience is required, but the results are already visible.”

Some people have accused the President of trying to turn Nigeria into a one‑party state. What’s your take on that?

Shaibu rejected the notion of a one‑party state. “Nigeria has many registered parties. President Tinubu has used his political acumen to strengthen the APC, but he has not excluded other parties. He has distributed revenue equally among all states, regardless of party affiliation, and has engaged with opposition leaders. His inclusiveness is a key difference from previous administrations.”

He contrasted this with the PDP’s history: “The PDP once claimed to be the largest party in Africa, but it failed to maintain internal democracy and began deregistering members. Those members formed new parties, weakening the PDP. In contrast, the president has expanded the APC by offering incentives and inviting critics to contribute.”

Who are the three you’re talking about?

Shaibu referred to former presidents Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, noting that Tinubu is the only one among them who is an activist politician.

The gale of defection—do you think it is healthy for democracy?

“Defection is a natural part of politics, driven by interests rather than permanent enemies. When I was with the PDP for three years, I saw it was heading toward collapse due to a lack of internal democracy. The current wave of defections reflects that reality.”

I do know that you contested the governorship primaries in Edo State before, and the President has told people who are interested in contesting elections in 2027 to resign. Are you still interested in contesting an election in 2027?

Shaibu said he is not running for office in 2027. “My focus is on supporting President Tinubu. I want to double the votes he received in my area, from unit to local government level.” He added that his network extends beyond Edo, including former NANS members who can help mobilise support for the president.

Will it be a landslide?

“If I am doubling the votes, that will be a landslide.” He emphasized that his personal project is to expand support for Tinubu across the country, drawing on his experience as a former NANS president and his connections in business, oil and politics.

The post “I knew PDP was a dying party – Shaibu, Edo ex‑dep gov” first appeared on Vanguard News.