Former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has spoken out strongly in defense of Peter Obi, saying any threat directed at the former Labour Party flag bearer is a collective threat to all members of the opposition.
Atiku, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join a united opposition front under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside Obi and others made the declaration via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday.
He wrote: “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us! – AA”
His statement came amid growing outrage over comments attributed to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, which many interpreted as a warning to Obi against visiting the state without prior clearance.
The controversy followed Obi’s visit to Benin City on July 7, where he donated ₦15 million to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences, to support ongoing infrastructure development at the institution.
Governor Okpebholo reportedly cautioned Obi not to return to the state without notifying the government, warning that there would be “consequences” for such unscheduled visits.
The comment sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the governor of making threats against a prominent national figure.
In response to the backlash, the Edo State Government later clarified the governor’s position.
A statement issued by his office read: “It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before embarking on any public engagements within the State.”
