The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has warned that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, should not visit Edo State without informing him in advance. Okpebholo said he cannot guarantee Obi’s safety if he enters the state without notifying him or his campaign team.
The statement was made during a campaign event in the state where Senator Okpebholo addressed members of the APC and the public. He expressed concern over what he described as increasing political interference in the state by opposition leaders, particularly those from outside Edo. He specifically mentioned Peter Obi’s recent visits to the state in support of Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate for the upcoming September 21 gubernatorial election.
Okpebholo emphasized that while Obi, as a prominent political figure, is free to travel across Nigeria, such visits to politically charged environments like Edo should be communicated to key stakeholders to avoid misunderstandings or potential security issues. He warned that failure to do so could lead to unforeseen consequences, especially as political tensions continue to rise ahead of the election.
According to Okpebholo, “Peter Obi cannot come to my state without telling me. He cannot just enter Edo like that. I won’t be responsible for his safety if he does.” His comments have stirred debate across political circles, with many questioning whether a gubernatorial candidate has the authority to set conditions on the movements of national political figures.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has been actively campaigning for Labour Party candidates across the country. In Edo State, he has made multiple appearances to drum up support for Akpata, who is running against both Okpebholo of the APC and Asue Ighodalo of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obi’s visits have drawn large crowds and generated significant attention, particularly among the youth and urban voters. This rising popularity has apparently unsettled rival parties, including the APC, whose candidate now appears to view Obi’s presence as a political threat.
Senator Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central in the Senate, is seeking to unseat the PDP government currently led by Governor Godwin Obaseki. He has accused the PDP and Labour Party of working together to undermine the APC’s chances in the election. In his remarks, he accused Peter Obi and the LP of engaging in “desperate” tactics and warned them to “stay in their lane.”
Observers see Okpebholo’s comments as part of the increasingly heated political rhetoric in the lead-up to the gubernatorial election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the election for September 21, 2025, and campaigns are already in full swing.
While no official statement has been released by Peter Obi or his media team in response to Okpebholo’s comments, sources within the Labour Party dismissed the warnings as political intimidation. One LP official who spoke anonymously said no one in a democratic society should be required to seek permission before visiting any part of the country.
Human rights advocates have also weighed in, warning against statements that may incite violence or restrict freedom of movement. They stressed that all political actors should focus on issues and voter engagement rather than threatening rivals.
Security agencies have not commented on the matter, but political analysts note that such statements, if left unchecked, could escalate tensions and create unnecessary risks during the election season. They called on all parties to adhere to democratic norms and avoid rhetoric that could be interpreted as incitement.
Edo State has historically been a political battleground with high-stakes contests between the major parties. As the election approaches, the state is expected to witness more political visits, rallies, and heightened campaign activities. The outcome of the election could have broader implications for national politics, especially given the roles of figures like Peter Obi and other opposition leaders.
