Former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the recent threat made against former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Governor Okpebholo reportedly warned Mr. Obi not to enter Edo State without “security clearance,” a statement widely criticised by legal experts, civil society groups, and opposition politicians as unconstitutional and authoritarian. The controversial directive has ignited a wave of outrage on social media and across political circles.
Reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar took to his verified X social media page to express deep concern and solidarity with Mr. Obi. He wrote:
“Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us!”
Other concerned people reacted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended in 1999, guarantees the right of every citizen to move freely, reside, and conduct lawful activities in any part of the country without discrimination or threat.
Legal analysts have pointed out that Governor Okpebholo’s remarks run contrary to Sections 41 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protect the freedom of movement and the right to freedom from discrimination based on place of origin, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Supporters of Peter Obi have called for immediate clarification and withdrawal of the statement from Governor Okpebhole’s office. Some political commentators have urged President Bola Tinubu to call the Edo State governor to order in the interest of national unity and constitutional order.
As of press time, neither Mr. Obi nor the Labour Party has issued an official statement on the incident, but sources close to the former Anambra governor suggest he remains unfazed and plans to continue his nationwide engagements in caring for the poor, supporting education and health care.
The statement from the incumbent Edo State Governor, which he has yet to deny directly or indirectly, has once again sparked renewed conversation around political tolerance, respect for constitutional liberties, and the need for leaders at all levels to guard against inflammatory rhetoric capable of inciting unrest.
