The youth arm of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, has condemned what it describes as a disturbing threat issued by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, against former presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Governor Okpebholo reportedly warned on Friday that Obi should not visit Edo State without his express permission, stating that any visit outside his approval would come with consequences.
The remark has triggered widespread criticism across the country.
In a strong-worded statement titled “An Urgent Call for Action”, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, described the governor’s statement as an “assassination threat.”
“It is unbecoming of a sitting governor, and someone who was a parliamentarian, the main symbol of the country’s democracy,” Okwu said.
“We consider it reprehensible and utterly debasing that a sitting governor could publicly dish out this threat against an innocent citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Okwu added that the remarks pose a serious threat to Obi’s safety and demanded immediate intervention from the presidency and national security agencies.
“Let us make this loud and clear, the Edo governor’s threat against the life of Mr Peter Obi is considered an assassination threat, and we are not taking it lightly. Should anything happen to Mr Peter Obi, the entire world knows who to hold responsible,” he declared.
The youth leader called on President Bola Tinubu to speak out against the statement and caution Governor Okpebholo.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths Worldwide is calling on the Nigerian Government led by President Bola Tinubu to rise to the occasion and call the Edo State governor to order.”
“We urge the presidency to publicly condemn the governor’s action, as we know it is not in the character of Mr President to condone such behaviour.”
Okwu further linked Okpebholo’s comments to a growing trend of political intolerance, referencing a similar incident involving Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia.
“This reckless action was started by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, a man who ordinarily by virtue of his vocation should be a father to all, but has been beclouded by political braggadocio. Now, his fellow APC governor has even issued worse threats.”
He called on security agencies including the police and DSS to ensure the safety of Peter Obi and all Nigerians across party lines, while also appealing to the international community.
“We call on the police hierarchy and the DSS to reassure not just Mr Peter Obi but all Nigerians of their safety in any part of the country.”
Okwu urged the United States, the United Kingdom, and other allies to impose visa bans on Governor Okpebholo, whom he accused of undemocratic tendencies.
“He has given himself out as an undemocratic element, one who is not ready to allow dissenting voices.”
“We consider this a threat against the entire Igbo race and not just Peter Obi. Why is it that every now and then, it is about Peter Obi? Is he the only opposition politician in Nigeria? Enough is enough!”
“It is, therefore, our appeal that the United States, the United Kingdom and all their allies should place an immediate visa ban on the governor of Edo State.”
He concluded by warning that unchecked political threats could endanger the 2027 general elections and Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“As Nigeria soon heads to the 2027 general elections, this will serve as a deterrent to others who may make provocative and inciting statements capable of derailing the country’s democracy.”
