Labour Party Senators Condemn Edo Governor Okpebholo’s Threat Against Peter Obi

• Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo warned Peter Obi not to enter Edo without prior security clearance, citing violence after Obi’s last visit.

• The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the National Assembly condemned the governor’s remarks as “executive rascality and abuse of office” and demanded an immediate retraction and apology.

• LP Senators emphasized that freedom of movement is a constitutional right guaranteed to all Nigerians, including Peter Obi.

• Security agencies were urged to intervene due to the veiled threat against Obi’s personal safety, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic principles.

The Labour Party caucus in Nigeria’s National Assembly has sharply criticized Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his recent warning to Peter Obi, the LP presidential candidate in 2023, restricting Obi’s movement within Edo State. Okpebholo had alleged that Obi’s previous visit to the state resulted in violence and insisted Obi must obtain security clearance to enter.

In a joint statement signed by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, the lawmakers condemned the governor’s comments as blatant misuse of executive power. They called on Okpebholo to withdraw his threatening statement immediately and apologize to Nigerians for violating constitutional rights.

The Senators underscored that free movement is a fundamental right under Section 41(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to move freely within the country without harassment or intimidation. They further urged the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services to take the threat seriously, reinforcing the need to protect democratic freedoms and prevent any harm to Obi.

This controversy has drawn widespread condemnation, with many viewing the governor’s remarks as a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law and political tolerance in Nigeria.