The governor stated that Obi would be doing so “at his own risk,” and ominously added, “If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking”
By Titilope Adako
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State over what it describes as a veiled death threat to Labour Party’s 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi.
KoikiMedia reports that the backlash follows a viral video in which Governor Okpebholo warned Obi not to enter Edo State without seeking his prior approval.
The governor stated that Obi would be doing so “at his own risk,” and ominously added, “If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”
The governor claimed that Obi’s last visit to Edo during which he donated N15 million to a nursing school allegedly sparked unrest in Benin City, resulting in the deaths of some individuals.
This is not the first time a governor from an APC-controlled state has issued such a warning. Obi previously faced a similar caution from the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, reportedly also for humanitarian visits.
In response, CUPP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, described the governor’s remarks as a blatant disregard for the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement and association for all citizens.
“Governor Okpebholo’s threats are not only reckless but also dangerous. His comments suggest a total disregard for the rule of law and the rights of Nigerians.
“It is unacceptable that a sitting governor would issue what amounts to a death threat to a political opponent simply for traveling within his own country,” the statement read.
CUPP urged civil society organizations, activists, and fellow political leaders to speak out against what it termed “a disgraceful act of thuggery.”
The coalition continued: “Peter Obi’s only ‘offense’ is that he travels across Nigeria offering support to hospitals, schools, nurses, and internally displaced persons. Should that warrant intimidation or threats from a public official? Should acts of charity be met with hostility?”
Labeling the governor’s behavior as “a shameful abuse of power,” CUPP stressed that such threats undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles and constitutional order.
“This should be a wake-up call for Nigerians. Our democracy cannot survive if leaders believe they can trample on the rights of citizens without consequence. The rule of law must be upheld, and no individual no matter how powerful should be above the Constitution,” the statement concluded.
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