Obidient Movement Condemns Governor Okpebholo’s Threat to Peter Obi, Cites Constitutional Breach
...Demands public apology, warns of dire consequences if harm befalls Obi
The Obidient Movement has raised the alarm over a disturbing video circulating online in which the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, allegedly issued a direct threat to the safety of Mr. Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate.
In the video, Governor Okpebholo is seen issuing a stern warning, suggesting that Mr. Obi should not step foot in Edo State again without prior notice, hinting that he cannot guarantee Obi’s safety otherwise. The video, which has since sparked widespread outrage, has been described by many observers as reckless and unconstitutional.
Reacting swiftly, the Obidient Movement, in a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, expressed grave concern over what it termed “a dangerous descent into political hostility by a sitting governor who swore an oath to protect lives and uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
“For the avoidance of doubt,” Kazaure stated, “Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the right of every Nigerian citizen to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part of the country. It is, therefore, not only unconstitutional but also dangerous and indefensible for any governor to attempt to restrict this fundamental right, let alone threaten a former governor and presidential candidate with harm.”
The statement further condemned what it described as a growing trend of intolerance toward Mr. Obi’s nationwide engagements. It recalled a previous incident in which a similar threat was issued by the Governor of Benue State when Obi visited to offer humanitarian support to flood victims.
“In both instances,” Kazaure noted, “Mr. Obi’s visits were in the spirit of goodwill, compassion, and national unity. He was not campaigning or seeking political gain, but simply showing solidarity with citizens in distress—citizens often neglected by their own state governments.”
The Obidient Movement said it views these repeated threats as part of a “worrisome pattern of political insecurity, pettiness, and intolerance” being exhibited by certain elements in power. It warned that any harm befalling Mr. Obi would not go unnoticed.
“Let it be made abundantly clear,” the statement said, “that should anything untoward happen to Mr. Peter Obi, Nigerians and the international community will know where to look. Governors are Chief Security Officers of their states. Their words are not idle—they carry weight and have consequences. Public office should not be weaponized for vendettas or political intimidation.”
The group further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), civil society organisations, and international observers to closely monitor the situation and speak out against what it described as a clear abuse of power.
“We urge all well-meaning Nigerians, democratic institutions, religious leaders, and international partners to condemn this alarming act of political hostility. Nigeria belongs to us all, and no Nigerian should feel threatened in their own country,” Kazaure said.
She added that the Obidient Movement would continue to stand for the rule of law, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic space.
“No politician, no matter how highly placed, should be allowed to sow fear, incite violence, or divide the country through reckless and unlawful rhetoric,” the statement concluded.
As of press time, the Edo State Government has not issued a formal response to the allegations. However, political analysts warn that such utterances, if left unchecked, could further polarize an already tense political atmosphere in the lead-up to the next electoral cycle.
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