Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, is facing growing backlash over his controversial threat to former presidential candidate Peter Obi, warning that the Labour Party (LP) leader must never enter Edo State again without obtaining “security clearance.”
The governor made the remarks last Friday while receiving a decampeeing federal lawmaker, Marcus Onobun, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his speech, Okpebholo questioned Obi’s donation of ₦15 million to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin on July 7, suggesting that the visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” the governor said.
His comments have drawn strong condemnation from civil groups, political stakeholders, and supporters of Obi, who view the statement as reckless, unconstitutional, and dangerously provocative.
The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) condemned the statement, calling it an abuse of power and a veiled ethnic attack.
“Governor Okpebholo must exercise greater caution in the manner he expresses himself. This latest outburst reveals deep-rooted animosity and reflects the forces that have long held Nigeria back,” said Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, President General of the association.
The Obidient Movement, in a statement by its Director of Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, accused Okpebholo of violating the Constitution.
“Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of movement. It is unconstitutional and indefensible for a sitting governor to threaten a former governor and presidential candidate,” the group stated, warning that “if anything happens to Obi, Nigerians will know where to look.”
The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives also condemned the statement as “outrageous, shocking, and uncouth.”
“Peter Obi’s philanthropic gestures transcend politics and ethnicity. Rather than vilify him, leaders should emulate his commitment to humanity and national development,” said Afam Ogene, LP caucus leader.
Dr. Paul Moses, African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship aspirant for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), described the governor’s remarks as “disturbing and disgraceful.”
“Your threats are unconstitutional and reveal a dangerous mindset from those who ascend power through electoral manipulation,” he stated.
In a related development, the Kaduna State Police Command has issued a security advisory regarding a planned rally by Obi’s supporters to mark his birthday on July 19.
The police warned that intelligence reports suggest the rally could be hijacked by criminal elements and clash with other political primaries scheduled the same day.
“The rally, though well-intended, could heighten tension and compromise public order. Organisers are strongly advised to suspend such gatherings,” said DSP Mansir Hassan, Police PRO.
Despite these developments, Obi has yet to respond personally to the Edo governor’s remarks. However, his supporters and civil rights groups insist that Nigeria must not allow its democratic space to be stifled by threats, political bitterness, or ethnic undertones.
As calls grow for an official apology and retraction, observers say this episode underscores the growing political intolerance and the need to uphold constitutional freedoms amid Nigeria’s delicate socio-political climate.
