Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a warning to former presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying his security is not guaranteed should he visit Edo State again without prior notice to the state government.
The statement, which has sparked widespread backlash across social media, follows Obi’s recent visit to the state where he donated ₦15 million to a nursing school as part of his ongoing support for education and healthcare across Nigeria.
According to viral video clips circulating online, Okpebholo expressed anger that the Labour Party chieftain entered the state without notifying him.
In the video, the governor can be heard telling supporters: “Next time, he should tell us before coming. He cannot just come into my state and do whatever he likes. Next time, his security is not guaranteed.”
The remark has since triggered outrage, with Nigerians on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) describing the statement as a veiled threat and an affront to democracy.
“This is disturbing. A Nigerian can no longer visit a part of his own country without fear of political intimidation?” one user tweeted.
Labour Party supporters have condemned the governor’s words, demanding a retraction and an apology.
So far, the Edo State Government has not released an official statement in response to the backlash.