The governors of Edo and Benue states — Monday Okpebholo and Hyacinth Alia — are under fire after issuing statements perceived as threats to Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, warning him against entering their states without prior notice.
Okpebholo and Alia, both of the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggested that Obi’s visits were politically motivated and posed security concerns, sparking widespread condemnation from civil society, opposition lawmakers, and rights advocates.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described Okpebholo’s alleged restriction as “undemocratic” and “dangerous,” accusing him of stifling political opposition. ADC Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, condemned the remarks as an attempt to suppress free movement, warning that such actions could threaten Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) slammed the two governors for acting like monarchs and undermining citizens’ fundamental rights. Its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said Obi’s charitable visits should be welcomed, not vilified. “It is illogical for the Edo governor to link Obi’s visit to a spike in crime,” he added.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also criticised the Edo governor’s stance, labelling it a “brazen violation” of the constitutional right to life. He urged Okpebholo to withdraw the threat and apologise publicly to Obi, warning that failure to do so would be an abuse of power. “The governor’s threat violates Section 33 of the Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Falana said.
In response to the backlash, Okpebholo denied banning Obi from the state, clarifying through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, that his remarks were misinterpreted. He said his comments were about adhering to security protocols during politically sensitive periods, not hostility or exclusion. “Edo remains open and welcoming to all Nigerians,” the governor stated.
Meanwhile, Obi, who turned 64 over the weekend, expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support. In a message titled Thank You All, he thanked the Obidient Movement, Nigerian youths, and members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for their birthday goodwill.
Obi reiterated his tradition of not celebrating birthdays but instead using such occasions for charitable causes. He cited past gestures such as redirecting a N120 million birthday fund to build classrooms and converting a N20 million celebration into a donation of 200 computers to schools. “Celebration should uplift others,” he said.
The controversy has triggered strong reactions from LP senators and civic groups, many of whom see the governors’ conduct as part of a broader pattern of political intolerance. As the calls for accountability grow louder, observers say the developments signal a crucial moment for Nigeria’s democratic values.
