*Seeks Tinubu’s halt to such anti-democratic, anti-development statements
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described as an “assassination threat” against the former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, on Friday, by Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo had warned Obi against entering Edo without his express approval, vowing that failure to comply would result in dire consequences for which he should blame himself.
But, reacting via a statement on Saturday, the National President of the youth wing, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, described the warning as “reckless and unacceptable,” insisting that “this amounts to an assassination threat on Mr. Peter Obi, and we are not taking it lightly.”
The group invited President Bola Tinubu to “publicly condemn” the threat and hold Gov. Okpebholo personally accountable, warning that the President’s silence could equally embolden political recklessness from other quarters.
They also demanded the immediate intervention by the police and DSS to guarantee Obi’s safety anywhere he is in Nigeria.
In addition, the Ohanaeze youths requested the United States, United Kingdom governments, and allied nations to impose a visa ban on Gov. Okpebholo, accusing him of acting like an “undemocratic element.”
“This threat is not just against Peter Obi, but against the entire Igbo nation. Enough is enough!” Okwu stated.
The group also linked Okpebholo’s actions to a wider pattern of hostility towards Obi from certain quarters, recalling a similar incident involving the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia.
They warned that such provocative statements risk derailing Nigeria’s fragile democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) strongly condemned what it termed “a veiled death threat” issued by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against Obi.
The CUPP described Okpebholo’s statement as “disgraceful and shameful,” accusing him of violating the constitutional rights of a Nigerian citizen.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP noted that “Governor Okpebholo’s recorded remarks, warning Obi not to ‘dare’ enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights.”
They further called on civil society organizations, political leaders, and activists to reject what it described as “thuggery disguised as governance.”
“Peter Obi’s only offense is his commitment to visiting hospitals, schools, and IDP camps across the country. Should acts of charity provoke threats from a sitting governor?” CUPP asked.
The coalition urged Nigerians to view the incident as a wake-up call, demanding accountability from leaders and the protection of democratic freedoms.
“Edo State and Nigeria deserve leadership that respects the rule of law, not intimidation,” CUPP stressed.
