The African Democratic Congress has lashed out at the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for saying Peter Obi, a member of coalition, should not visit Edo State without his permission.

Mr Obi is a former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the opposition Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.

The spokesperson for the ADC coalition, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on X on Saturday, described Mr Okphebholo’s threat as disgraceful and undemocratic.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s statement declaring @PeterObi persona non grata in Edo State is as disgraceful as it is undemocratic,” Mr Abdullahi said.

Citing Mr Obi’s freedom of movement and lawful association as contained in the Nigerian constitution, Mr Abdullahi said “Edo State is a Nigerian State.  Peter Obi is a free citizen and does not need the governor’s clearance to visit Nigerians in their own country.


“The governor’s statement betrays deep insecurity. When a governor panics over courtesy visits and modest donations, it is a clear sign that something is deeply wrong somewhere. Leaders who have served the people well will not be bothered when others receive applause. Perhaps, the people celebrating PO are simply reminding the Edo State governor the kind of leader he should be.”


Mr Okphebholo made the statement at an event on Friday captured in a viral video. 


He added, “The man wey say him no get shishi, I’m sending a direct message to him. There is a new sheriff in town. He cannot enter without telling me. Because his security will never be guaranteed.  Whatever happens to him when he is in Edo State, let him take it. I’m serious about it. He came the other day and donated N15 million. By the time he left, there was a crisis, three people died in Benin City. So, tell Obi, he should not come to Edo without telling me.”


Mr Okphebholo’s statement came after Mr Obi visited Philomena College of Nursing Sciences in Benin City, Edo State, a few weeks ago.