Philip Shaibu, reinstated deputy governor of Edo, says he is now “an unofficial member” of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Shaibu spoke in a chat with Arise TV’s Good Morning Show on Friday.

On Wednesday, a federal high court in Abuja ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement as deputy governor of Edo following his impeachment in April.

In his first public appearance after the judgment, Shaibu’s convoy was attacked in Benin City by suspected gunmen, with one police officer killed.

Shaibu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was with Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate for the September 21 governorship election in Edo, when the incident occurred.

Asked about his relationship with the APC governorship candidate, Shaibu said his “spirit” has left the PDP.

He added that he is “as good as being a member of APC” and “the only thing is that I have not officially left PDP”.

“For now, I am PDP. But going forward, if I declare for APC, it means that I have declared full support for Okpebholo,” Shaibu said.

“I am as good as being a member of APC, I can tell you that. I have two legs in APC. The only thing is that I have not officially left PDP. I am an unofficial member of APC. My spirit has left PDP.”

Shaibu was impeached after falling out with Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state.