By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong opposition to a warning issued by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo against Peter Obi, calling it a broader threat to the democratic rights of Nigerians.
Atiku’s comments come after Governor Okpebholo, on Friday, advised Obi to obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State, following concerns over rising insecurity in the region. Obi had visited Benin City on July 7, where he toured the School of Nursing Sciences at St. Philomena’s Hospital, donating ₦15 million to support its ongoing projects.
In response, Atiku declared, “A threat against Peter Obi is a threat to all of us,” through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stressing that such threats undermine the rights of every Nigerian citizen to engage in public life without fear.
Governor Okpebholo, however, clarified that his comments were not intended as a direct threat. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor explained that high-profile individuals, especially politicians, are required to inform the state and obtain security clearance for public engagements due to the prevailing security challenges in the region.
Despite the clarification, the statement drew intense criticism from several quarters. Labour Party senators—including Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Tony Nwoye, and Ezea Okey—joined voices in condemning the governor’s stance, calling it an abuse of power and an infringement on democratic freedoms.
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), also joined the fray, demanding that Governor Okpebholo retract the statement and apologize publicly.
Peter Obi has yet to respond publicly to the controversy, choosing instead to focus on other national issues. Over the weekend, he called for urgent attention to the ongoing plight of dental students at the University of Calabar, who are facing delayed graduations due to internal administrative challenges.
Atiku’s remarks follow the recent formation of a political coalition involving him, Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi. The group adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on July 3, signaling their intentions to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections.
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