FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over perceived threats to opposition leaders, warning that any threat to Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, must be seen as a threat to all democratic actors.
This reaction follows a contentious warning issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, who insisted that Obi must inform his government and obtain security clearance before entering the state.
The debate was further intensified by the backing of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who reinforced Okpebholo’s stance during the inauguration of the revamped Edo Line Transport Company in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo stood firm on his earlier warning, stating unequivocally that Peter Obi must inform the state authorities before visiting Edo in the future. The governor, speaking at the event on Tuesday, justified his stance as a matter of public safety rather than political harassment.
“My job is not just to serve Edo people in terms of infrastructure, but also to ensure their safety, as well as that of visitors. If advising a former governor to inform me before visiting is wrong, so be it,” he declared.
Referencing a past violent incident, Okpebholo said, “When Obi visited St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing in June, three people were killed the same day.
Coincidence or not, we can’t ignore such events. That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15 million where did he get it from?”
Reacting strongly via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku warned that such comments could fuel political intimidation.
“Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us,” Atiku posted, signaling strong support for the LP candidate and a broader defense of opposition voices.
His statement has since received backing from civil society groups and legal practitioners, including rights lawyer Femi Falana, who criticized the governor’s tone as undemocratic.
Backing Okpebholo’s position, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stated that Peter Obi violated established norms by not informing the state’s leadership of his visit.
“When he visited me in Rivers while I was governor, he followed protocol. Why didn’t he do the same in Edo?” Wike asked pointedly.
Wike praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, saying the governor had already delivered significant results within eight months, particularly in reviving Edo Line and boosting transportation.
“If the Supreme Court had ruled against him, the people would have still known he meant well. That’s leadership,” Wike added.
Despite the growing media and political attention, Peter Obi has yet to officially respond to the governor’s remarks. His June visit to Edo State included a donation of N15 million for infrastructure at the St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing, a gesture widely praised at the time.
Observers have cautioned against politicizing routine visits, warning it could undermine the democratic freedom of movement and expression.
With the Edo 2024 governorship race already brewing, analysts say the growing tensions between Obi and Okpebholo could signal deeper partisan rifts, particularly as Labour Party and APC jostle for influence in the South-South region.
As political figures continue to weigh in, many Nigerians are calling for de-escalation and a return to issue-based politics.