Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, advising him not to enter the state without obtaining appropriate security clearance. The governor made this known while addressing concerns over what he described as “unauthorised political activities” by certain opposition figures within Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo, who recently assumed office following the conclusion of legal disputes surrounding the 2023 gubernatorial elections, noted that security in the state remains a top priority for his administration. According to him, political leaders, no matter how prominent, must adhere to laid-down protocols before undertaking visits that could attract public gatherings or trigger political tension.
While he did not outrightly bar the former Anambra State governor from visiting, the governor insisted that Peter Obi or any other political figure must first communicate with the state government and relevant security agencies to ensure that proper arrangements are in place. This, he said, is necessary to maintain peace and order, especially considering the rising political temperature as the state approaches another round of electoral activities.
“The security and stability of Edo State cannot be compromised under any circumstance,” Okpebholo reportedly stated, adding that the state government would not tolerate any political intrusion disguised as consultations or visits without prior clearance. “This is not about partisanship; it is about ensuring that the right protocols are followed by everyone, including former public office holders and presidential candidates,” he added.
The governor’s comments are believed to be a direct response to recent movements by opposition leaders, particularly from the Labour Party, who have been engaging with youth groups, traditional leaders, and civil society actors across the state. These activities, sources within the Edo State Government House suggest, were carried out without notifying either the governor’s office or the state’s security command.
Political analysts are interpreting Governor Okpebholo’s remarks as a subtle attempt to reassert control over the political landscape in Edo, particularly amid growing momentum by the Labour Party in certain parts of the state. Peter Obi, who garnered significant support from young voters during the 2023 elections, has continued to enjoy a strong grassroots following, especially in southern Nigeria.
While Mr. Obi has not publicly responded to the governor’s comments, his aides maintain that his political engagements across the country are peaceful and in line with constitutional freedoms of movement and association. Nonetheless, with this latest development, all eyes are on how both camps will navigate the delicate political climate in Edo as the 2025 election season begins to take shape.
