Edo governor’s threat to Peter Obi sparks outrage, fuels 2027 election fears

A controversial warning by Edo state governor, Monday Okpebholo, to opposition leader and former presidential candidate Peter Obi not to enter the state without prior clearance has drawn fierce condemnation, fuelling fears of political intolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Okpebholo, an ally of President Bola Tinubu, made the remarks during a public appearance last week, claiming Obi’s previous visit, during which the Labour Party leader donated ₦15 million to a local nursing school, had allegedly resulted in deaths. The state government has yet to provide evidence to support the claim.

“That man that said he does not have ‘shishi,’ I am sending a direct message to him. There is a new sheriff in town,” Okpebholo said, referencing Obi’s well-known frugal public persona. “He cannot come to Edo without telling me because his security will never be guaranteed. Whatsoever happens to him when he is in Edo State, he will take it.”

The remarks, viewed by many as authoritarian and unconstitutional, have sparked a national backlash. Civic groups, lawyers, and opposition leaders described the comments as a dangerous escalation against political dissent.

“Mr. Peter Obi is a citizen of Nigeria, and his movement is guaranteed and should not be curtailed by sheer executive lawlessness and impudence,” the Labour Party caucus in the Senate said in a Saturday statement. “As a champion of democracy and sustainable development, Mr. Obi deserves protection and support from the law.”

Though Obi has not publicly responded, his supporters, including party officials and civil rights advocates, have strongly condemned the comments. The police have so far remained silent.

Constitutional lawyer Femi Falana called Okpebholo’s remarks a direct violation of fundamental rights. “The threat to the life of Mr. Peter Obi constitutes a violation of Section 33 of the Constitution… and Article 4 of the African Charter,” Falana said in a statement Sunday. “If the governor does not withdraw the threat, Mr. Obi should immediately approach the Federal High Court in Benin to seek enforcement of his rights.”

The governor’s office later issued a clarification, stating that there was “no threat” made against Obi, only that “protocol” must be observed. “When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats,” the statement read.

But critics remain unconvinced. “Let’s be clear: Mr. Peter Obi does not need anyone’s permission to visit Edo or any other state. Not now, not ever,” said Olumide Akpata, Labour Party’s candidate in Edo’s recent governorship race. “Perhaps Governor Okpebholo should focus on earning the kind of love Peter Obi enjoys through good governance.”

Economic Stakes and Political Fallout

Edo, one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states, is home to agribusiness giants like Presco Plc and Okomu Oil Palm Company. But despite its resource wealth, the state grapples with deepening economic challenges. Unemployment stood at 35.2% in Q4 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, while over 42% of residents live below the poverty line. Inflation remains high across Nigeria, driven by fuel subsidy cuts, currency depreciation, and insecurity in farming areas.

This is not the first time Obi has faced politically charged restrictions. Earlier this year, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia issued similar warnings, in what analysts say highlights a growing pattern of hostility and political intolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“This is a direct attack and intimidation of opposition leaders,” Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party, said of the Edo governor’s comment.