Peter Obi’s Political Momentum Threatens Okpebholo — Edo Governor Issues Ban
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has openly warned former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi to stay away from Edo unless granted prior security clearance. The move, widely seen as politically charged, follows Obi’s recent visit to Benin City, which Okpebholo controversially linked to violence.
Speaking at a high-profile APC event in Benin where ex-PDP federal lawmaker Marcus Onobun defected to the ruling party, Governor Okpebholo accused Obi of inciting unrest and questioned the source of alleged funds he distributed during his visit.
> “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” Okpebholo declared.
The governor’s outburst comes amid growing signs of political realignment in Edo, with Okpebholo insisting that the APC is consolidating power ahead of the 2027 elections. He projected 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu from the state and dismissed opposition parties as “social media champions.”
> “Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State,” he said. “I saw someone crying at Ring Road talking about 65%. That is what we call social media winning. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site.”
Governor Okpebholo also launched a blistering attack on unnamed opposition leaders, accusing them of corruption, sabotage, and failed governance.
> “Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers,” he alleged.
In a notable moment at the event, Hon. Marcus Onobun defended his switch to the APC, describing it as both ideological and strategic.
> “I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition,” Onobun said. “Governor Okpebholo is working, and I want to be part of that progress.”
The governor’s pointed statements and Obi’s growing popularity appear to be fueling a volatile political atmosphere in Edo, setting the stage for a fierce battle ahead of the next general elections.
Obi’s growing political influence across the country is unarguably a threat to the APC administration.
The former Anambra state governor since the last 2023 elections renewed his charity gesture especially to individuals and communities facing challenges.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state had also banned Obi from visiting his state without his approval after the latter visited internally displaced persons ( IDP) camps in Makurdi .
