The Senate caucus of the Labour Party (LP) has condemned what it described as an outrageous threat issued by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against Mr. Peter Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential flagbearer and former Governor of Anambra State.

Governor Okpebholo had allegedly warned that Obi’s safety could not be guaranteed if he entered Edo State again without first seeking the Governor’s permission.

This reported threat followed Obi’s recent visit to the state, during which he donated ₦15 million to a local nursing school.

Reacting strongly to the remarks, four LP Senators; Dr. Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Okey Ezea and Dr. Tony Nwoye, isued a joint statement describing the Governor’s comments as “unbecoming of a sitting Governor” and a “direct violation” of Obi’s constitutional rights.

Quoting Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the senators affirmed that all Nigerians have the inalienable right to move freely within the country. They stressed that no elected official has the authority to infringe on this freedom.

“Mr. Peter Obi, a respected Nigerian citizen, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to democratic values, good governance, and national development,” the senators stated.

“His visits to any part of Nigeria, including Edo State, are entirely within his constitutional rights and should not be met with hostility or political intimidation.”

The caucus called on Governor Okpebholo to immediately retract what they termed a reckless and unconstitutional statement, and to issue an unreserved public apology to Peter Obi and to Nigerians at large.

They also urged law enforcement and security agencies to intervene.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the DSS to take this threat seriously, carry out a thorough investigation, and take necessary steps to protect Mr. Obi, in line with the rights guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen.”

In conclusion, the LP Senate members warned against allowing political power to fuel lawlessness.

“Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into anarchy or lawlessness fueled by executive arrogance. The peace, unity, and democratic progress of our dear country must be protected at all costs,” the statement read.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has selected Barr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo as its candidate for the upcoming Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for August 16, 2025.

Amamgbo emerged unopposed after two other aspirants, who had earlier shown interest in the ticket, voluntarily stepped down.

His emergence was affirmed during the party’s primary election, held by consensus.

The nomination process was initiated through a motion by Mr. Ndukuba Chinedu, Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, and seconded by Chief Anene Chukwudi, the Ihiala LGA Chairman.

The exercise followed the ADC’s constitutional procedures and primary election guidelines.

Comrade Patrick Obianyo, ADC’s Anambra State Chairman, affirmed that the party adhered strictly to due process in conducting the primaries.

“The primary election was in line with the Constitution and guidelines of the party concerning the conduct of primary elections,” Obianyo said.

Also present was Barr. Godson Okoye, Chairman of the ADC’s Board of Trustees, who highlighted the importance of the upcoming election.

“It would be the first election that the ADC would be going into since after the Coalition,” Okoye noted.

“And the entire Nigerians have come to embrace our party as the platform towards saving the future of our country.”

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was absent from the race as the party declined to field any of its two aspirants for the bye-election.

In his acceptance speech, Amamgbo promised to bring effective representation and people-oriented leadership to Anambra South.

“We shall storm Anambra South Senatorial District, and we all know that representation is about the people,” Amamgbo stated.

“As a Senator, I wish to assure you that the entire Anambra South Senatorial District would gain bountifully from my representation.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and development of Nigeria, urging citizens to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments in the pursuit of national progress.

Obasanjo made this call on Friday when a delegation of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leaders visited him at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The delegation, led by Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a South-West NNPP leader and former Ogun State gubernatorial candidate, said the purpose of the visit was to seek the former president’s guidance on pressing national issues and strategies for strengthening the country amid rising socio-economic challenges.

Addressing the NNPP team, Obasanjo clarified that he remains politically neutral, with his sole allegiance being to Nigeria.

“I do not belong to any political party. I belong to Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.

“My interest is in the unity, peace and security of this nation. I will continue to speak the truth to move Nigeria forward.”

He lamented the growing erosion of patriotic values among Nigerians and the growing trend of prioritising tribal or sectional identities above national cohesion.

Obasanjo stressed that such attitudes were detrimental to leadership and national development.

The NNPP delegation comprised national officers, zonal representatives, women leaders, and youth stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Prince Nweze Onu, NNPP National Vice Chairman (South-East), described the visit as purely consultative and non-political.

“This visit is not political. We are not here for coalition talks or negotiations. We came to seek Baba Obasanjo’s guidance as someone who has led this country and continues to provide leadership outside partisan lines,” Onu said.

Prince Ademola Ayoade, the party’s Vice Chairman (South-West), reinforced this position, stating that the meeting was about tapping into Obasanjo’s wealth of experience for direction on national unity and governance.

NNPP chieftain Olufemi Ajadi condemned the self-serving nature of modern-day Nigerian politics, urging a shift toward leadership that prioritises national interest over personal gain.

“We need to start electing visionary leaders who are genuinely committed to human development,” Ajadi said. “Politics should no longer be a game of personal interest. It must be about addressing the needs of the people.”

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also lauded Obasanjo for being a statesman whose reputation rises above party divisions.

“chief obasanjo is not working for any political party. he is working for nigeria,” johnson remarked.

Several NNPP women leaders present at the meeting: Mrs. Ronnie Dikko-Killa, Lady Chinyere Ofokansi, Mrs. Erelu Tosin Sole, and Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo emphasized the need for more inclusive governance and enhanced female participation in politics.

From the youth wing, Malik Sannie and Teluwo Kehinde called for targeted youth empowerment policies and broader youth involvement in political and governance processes.

In his closing remarks, Obasanjo urged the NNPP to remain committed to fostering unity and implementing policies that serve the broader interest of all Nigerians.

“If Nigeria must move forward, it needs selfless leadership and a national mindset that transcends tribal politics,” Obasanjo said.

“Focus on what unites us and develop policies that put Nigeria first.”

Two Southeast governors have taken opposing stances on the creation of additional states within the region, part of the ongoing constitutional review process.

At a public hearing in Owerri on Saturday, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma advocated for the creation of at least two new states in the Southeast, framing it as a means to address what he described as “structural imbalance and political marginalisation of the Igbo people.”

“Every other zone has six or more states,” Uzodimma said.

“This imbalance has led to under-representation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council. It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity.”

He proposed the establishment of “Anim State,” citing its potential to produce oil and expand local government representation.

He also suggested amending indigeneity laws to include those “born in a state or those who have resided there for over 10 years.”

“How else did Mallam Umaru Altine become the Mayor of Enugu in 1952, if not because he was accepted as an indigene?” he asked.

Uzodimma further urged the introduction of a rotational presidency across all six geopolitical zones, asserting:

“This is not about tokenism but national stability. If Nigerians know the presidency will rotate across zones, it will remove the fear of domination and deepen national inclusion.”

In contrast, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, speaking through his deputy Ikechukwu Emetu, voiced concerns about both the financial and administrative burden of creating more states.

“While I acknowledge the concerns of marginalised groups, I worry about the additional burden on Nigeria’s limited resources,” Otti said.

“Unless we identify independent sources of revenue, I do not share the optimism of those proposing new states.”

He cautioned that creating new states could overinflate government bureaucracy, and instead championed a people-centered governance model. Otti also strongly advocated for state policing, emphasizing the need for transparent standards.

“The federal policing structure has proved inadequate. Our people continue to suffer avoidable vulnerabilities,” he reasoned.

Deputy Speaker and Constitution Review Committee Chairman, Benjamin Kalu, praised the hearing as part of a historic effort to reshape Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

“The 2025 constitutional review process is the most comprehensive in our nation’s history,” Kalu commented.

“Our mandate is to ensure that every Nigerian is fairly represented and protected under the law.”

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.”

Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Anambra governorship election, was reportedly shot by unknown assailants late Friday night in Abuja.

According to eyewitness sources, the attack occurred near Wuse 2 while Ezenwafor was returning home from a private engagement.

The PDP candidate, who emerged unopposed for the November 8, 2025 election, sustained serious injuries during the assault and was rushed to a private hospital.

Medical personnel at the facility are said to be preparing for emergency surgery to remove bullets lodged in his body.

Two individuals who were with Ezenwafor during the attack also suffered injuries and are currently receiving medical care.

At the time of reporting, the identities of the shooters remained unknown, and their motive is still unclear. Police authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

When contacted for comment, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said,

“I am not aware. I have not been informed.”

Within the PDP, sources expressed concern that the incident could disrupt the party’s campaign schedule, depending on the extent of Ezenwafor’s injuries and the timeline for his recovery.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, the South-South Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) has raised concerns over former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, possibly pulling out of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.

The group believes Obi is considering leaving the alliance due to fears he may not secure the presidential ticket.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, SELF claimed to have reliable information that Obi could abandon the ADC coalition in a move reminiscent of his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prior to its 2022 presidential primary.

The group warned that if Obi insists on pressuring the coalition to zone the presidential ticket to the South, it may provoke reactions from Northern political blocs, who could push back against what they see as Southern dominance of the presidency over the past 18 years.

SELF also questioned Obi’s reluctance to participate in competitive internal party elections under the ADC coalition, which is chaired by former Senate President David Mark.

They urged the ADC leadership not to succumb to regional pressures, but rather to allow all members to contest fairly.

“We note that Mr. Peter Obi and his Obedient movement, in recent times, have resorted to threatening and blackmailing the leadership of the coalition.”

“We make bold to tell the former Anambra governor that such strategy will not work, in fact, it has failed woefully,” the group said.

The forum further criticized Obi’s political history, suggesting he has repeatedly avoided primaries and sought uncontested tickets.

“Records have shown that Mr. Obi has a history of running away from primary elections, which is a major aspect of democratic culture.”

“If Mr. Obi claims to be a democrat, why is he always avoiding primary elections? Why is he looking for a free presidential ticket? He did that as a governor and, as recently as 2023, Mr. Obi abandoned PDP when it was time for the primary election.”

SELF emphasized its commitment to preserving democratic values and holding leaders accountable:

“As a forum of professionals and emerging leaders, we will not fold our hands and tolerate Peter Obi frustrating the ongoing arrangements to rescue our nation and have a credible alternative to the APC.”

The statement continued with a sharp rebuke of what the forum described as Obi’s self-righteous political posture:

“We hereby call on Mr. Peter Obi to stop his pretentious lifestyle, as if he is a saint or the only Messiah Nigeria is waiting for. If Mr. Obi wants to participate in a democratic contest, he should respect the rules of the game.”

“Though he has never fought for or contributed to the development of the democratic process in Nigeria, so he does not know what it takes.”

“Obi and his Obedients should learn early that democracy is about contest, not about free lunch or free ticket. It is not about blackmail.”

According to the forum, it has credible information that Obi may have already secured another political platform, which he could unveil soon:

“If Obi is looking for where he will be given a free presidential ticket, the door is open. Although we have gathered reliably that Mr. Obi has secured another platform, which he will soon unveil to contest in 2027, it is high time the leaders of the ADC coalition do not sleep with their two eyes closed.”

“We are making it public that Peter Obi is not ready to cooperate and work with coalition leaders.”

Nevertheless, SELF urged the ADC coalition to ensure transparency and fairness in its selection process:

“We are appealing that the ADC national leadership should ensure a credible and transparent primary election that will produce an acceptable candidate.”

“Whoever wins the primary should be supported by all. If it is Peter Obi, if he still remains in the coalition, he should not be denied the massive support.”