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.
Afenifere Condemns Emergency Rule in Rivers State ABEOKUTA – The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has strongly criticized the National Assembly for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The group asserted that this decision violates the principles of democracy and undermines the 1999 Constitution. Following its National Caucus meeting held at the residence of its late former leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, Afenifere issued a communiqué condemning the move. The statement, signed by the group’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, described the action as detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic framework. Afenifere’s Stance on National Assembly’s Role Afenifere expressed disappointment in the 10th National Assembly for failing to uphold the democratic rights of Nigerians. The group emphasized that the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority approval from lawmakers before implementing such a critical decision. Instead, they accused the legislators of employing voice votes to bypass constitutional provisions, calling it an unconstitutional and undemocratic approach. The statement read: “The lack of transparency in the legislative process regarding Rivers State’s emergency rule sets a dangerous precedent. The decision disregards constitutional safeguards, weakening the principles of democracy and federalism.” Call for Legislative Accountability The group further demanded that the current leadership of the National Assembly step down, citing a crisis of integrity and failure to uphold the separation of powers. Afenifere warned that continued disregard for constitutional processes could lead to authoritarian rule, comparing the situation to Hitler’s rise in Germany, where democracy was systematically dismantled. Additionally, Afenifere criticized the recent vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that it reflects an internal crisis of trust within the Senate. A Call to Defend Nigerian Democracy Urging Nigerians to resist actions that threaten democratic stability, Afenifere called on all citizens to demand adherence to the rule of law and prevent the erosion of democracy in Nigeria. The group warned that failure to act now could lead to further political instability and authoritarian governance. For further insights into constitutional law and democratic governance, read more on The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
