Edo Governor Okpevbolo Warns Peter Obi: “Don’t Enter Edo Without My Permission”
Tensions flared dramatically in Edo State on Friday following a blunt warning issued by the state’s governor, Senator Monday Okpevbolo, against former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi. In a statement that has already sparked controversy nationwide, Governor Okpevbolo threatened that Obi should not enter the state without prior notice to his administration, citing alleged security concerns and prior unrest during the former Anambra governor’s previous visit.
“There is a new sheriff in town. He cannot come to Edo without calling me because the security will never be guaranteed,” Governor Okpevbolo said in a charged press briefing. “Whatever happens to him while he is in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about it.”
The governor’s remarks came in response to speculations that Mr. Obi plans to visit the state as part of a series of grassroots consultations and civic engagements tied to electoral reforms and party mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Okpevbolo went further to accuse Obi of instigating unrest during a previous, unspecified visit to Benin City. According to the governor, Obi had made a controversial financial donation during that trip—despite publicly portraying himself as a frugal, austere politician during the 2023 election campaign.
“Somebody wey say e no get shishi came and dropped ₦15 million,” the governor claimed, using a colloquial reference to Obi’s famous campaign slogan. “By the time he left, there was crisis in Benin and three people died.”
Although the governor did not provide specifics about the alleged deaths or the nature of the purported crisis, his comments have been interpreted by many observers as politically charged and potentially inflammatory, given the polarizing nature of the personalities involved.
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Governor Okpevbolo’s statement marks an unusual escalation in the often tense relationship between sitting state governors and federal-level political figures, particularly those with significant grassroots appeal like Peter Obi. Analysts say the governor’s remarks may reflect deeper political unease within the state’s power structure, especially in light of Obi’s growing influence among youth voters and civil society actors across southern Nigeria.
“This is more than a security matter—it’s political turf protection,” said Dr. Abiodun Falade, a political science lecturer at the University of Lagos. “Governor Okpevbolo seems keen on asserting his authority in a space where Obi has built soft power. But such rhetoric can backfire, especially when public sympathy tends to tilt in Obi’s favor.”
In recent months, Obi has been traversing various Nigerian states, attending town hall meetings, youth dialogues, and policy advocacy events, while also calling for electoral accountability and good governance.
As of the time of filing this report, Mr. Peter Obi’s media team had not issued an official response to the governor’s remarks. Sources close to the former governor told [this outlet] that the statement is being “reviewed for context and legal clarity.”
However, several Labour Party supporters and political commentators have taken to social media to express dismay over what they describe as a “dangerous provocation” and “an attempt to incite political violence.”
A Labour Party youth coordinator in Edo, who asked not to be named, condemned the statement, calling it “undemocratic and deeply irresponsible.”
“Nigeria is not a jungle where governors determine who enters a state and who doesn’t. Peter Obi is a national leader and has every right to visit any part of Nigeria, including Edo,” the source said.
While the Inspector-General of Police and relevant federal security agencies have yet to issue statements, legal experts say the governor’s remarks could be interpreted as a veiled threat, potentially attracting legal scrutiny.
“This is borderline incitement,” said Lagos-based constitutional lawyer, Ezeaka Chukwuma. “A sitting governor cannot threaten a citizen’s right of movement within the federation. Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees that right unequivocally.”
Security analysts are also warning that the rhetoric, if left unchecked, could heighten political volatility in a state that has witnessed several episodes of electoral violence in the past.
“The authorities need to de-escalate this immediately,” said retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Muktar Sule. “Words matter—especially from sitting governors.”
Peter Obi has maintained strong ties with Edo State’s civil society community, faith-based organizations, and youth groups. His campaign during the 2023 presidential elections saw significant support from urban centers in the state, with rallies in Benin drawing record crowds.
While Obi lost the overall presidential election, he emerged with a strong mandate in several southern states, including parts of Edo. His reformist message, calls for prudent fiscal management, and emphasis on education and infrastructure continue to resonate with many voters.
In a recent interview, Obi reiterated his commitment to remaining “accessible to all Nigerians,” regardless of political affiliation or geography.
Reactions From Across Nigeria
The governor’s threat has triggered a flurry of responses from across the political spectrum.
- Ohanaeze Youth Council, a pan-Igbo sociopolitical group, described the statement as “reckless” and urged President Bola Tinubu to caution state executives against using inflammatory language.
- Northern Elders Forum issued a brief statement expressing concern over growing intolerance in Nigerian politics and called on all parties to show restraint.
- Obi’s supporters on social media have launched the hashtag #ObiIsWelcomeInEdo, trending across X (formerly Twitter), with thousands sharing messages of solidarity and unity.
The spotlight now shifts to both the federal government and Nigeria’s civil society watchdogs, as pressure mounts on Edo State authorities to clarify the intent and legal limits of the governor’s statement.
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, the space for political maneuvering is tightening—and with it, the stakes for free political movement, inter-party tolerance, and the sanctity of civic engagement.
Observers warn that if not swiftly addressed, such threats could set a dangerous precedent in Nigerian politics.
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