The Edo State Government has rejected allegations by former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials during a recent engagement in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government described the claim as false, malicious and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
The statement said the administration of Governor Okpebholo neither authorised nor condoned any attack on political actors, irrespective of party affiliation.
“The Edo State Government has noted with concern the allegation by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, claiming that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in Edo State,” the statement read.
It added that no directive was issued by the governor or any arm of government to target members of any political party, stressing that the allegations were unsubstantiated and capable of creating unnecessary political tension.
The government recalled that the governor had earlier clarified his position on high-profile political visits to the state, noting that his remarks were guided strictly by his constitutional responsibility as Chief Security Officer, and not by political hostility.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo had consistently advised that politically exposed persons notify relevant authorities ahead of major public events to allow for adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.
The government further alleged that the controversy may be linked to internal wrangling within the African Democratic Congress.
It claimed that on Monday, a faction of the party led by former Senate Chief Whip, Roland Owie, was prevented from attending a meeting at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun due to an internal dispute, which reportedly required police intervention to restore calm.
Describing attempts to link the incident to the state government as mischievous, the administration said such narratives were aimed at casting aspersions on its performance.
The government urged political actors to verify their claims before making public statements capable of overheating the polity, reiterating its commitment to protecting all residents and visitors while upholding constitutional rights to lawful movement and association.
It maintained that its priority remains governance, public safety and economic development, not political persecution.
