‘Shameful Act of Intimidation’ – Political Parties Condemn Governor Okpebholo’s Threats Against Peter Obi

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has openly condemned as a veiled death threat, the recent warning issued by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against Peter Obi, a leading contender for the 2027 Nigerian presidential election.

Governor Okpebholo had publicly stated that Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, must not set foot in Edo State without first obtaining his explicit consent. This stern declaration was widely interpreted as an indirect threat to Obi’s personal safety.

This isn’t the first time Peter Obi has been targeted by threats from governors of APC-controlled states. Previously, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, also an APC member, reportedly issued a similar caution, even when Obi’s visits were purely humanitarian in nature.

Governor Okpebholo’s hostility escalated when he remarked that Obi’s presence in Edo State would be “at his own risk.” He emphasized:

“If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”

Okpebholo further alleged that during Obi’s previous visit to Edo, when the latter donated ₦15 million to a local nursing school, chaos erupted in Benin City, the state capital. According to him, this unrest reportedly resulted in fatalities, although no direct connection to Obi was established.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP criticized Governor Okpebholo’s comments, arguing that they reflect a blatant disregard for the Nigerian Constitution, particularly the provision guaranteeing freedom of movement for all citizens.

The CUPP’s statement read:

“Governor Okpebholo’s recorded threats, warning Obi against visiting Edo State without his approval, and his assertion that Obi’s safety ‘is not guaranteed,’ amount to an implicit death threat against a citizen lawfully exercising his constitutional rights.”

The political coalition urged civil society groups, activists, and other political figures to speak out against what it described as an intolerable manifestation of political thuggery.

CUPP added:

“Peter Obi’s so-called ‘offense’ is his continued charitable engagements, including support for hospitals, educational institutions, nurses, and internally displaced persons across Nigeria. Why should any governor oppose acts of goodwill and charity?”

They condemned Governor Okpebholo’s threat as:

“A disgraceful act that strikes at the heart of Nigerian democracy. This is not just an attack on Peter Obi but a direct assault on every Nigerian’s constitutional rights to freedom of movement, speech, and association. Such conduct reveals a dangerous level of authoritarian arrogance that should not be tolerated in democratic governance.”

CUPP called on the Nigerian public to:

“Awaken to the need to defend their constitutional liberties and hold public office holders accountable. The rule of law must be supreme, ensuring that no political figure, irrespective of their status, can infringe upon the rights of citizens with impunity.”

They concluded by asserting that:

“Edo State and indeed the entire nation of Nigeria deserve leaders who respect democratic values, not those who resort to intimidation and threats to silence opponents or restrict their movements.”

This development has further intensified concerns over the state of democracy and rule of law in Nigeria, especially as the 2027 elections draw nearer.