Criticisms have continued to mount over the warning issued by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo to former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi against visiting the State without clearance .
In its reaction, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has also berated Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his controversial remark declaring former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, persona non grata in the state.
The Party in a statement posted on this Saturday (19/7/25) by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the governor’s statement as “disgraceful and undemocratic”.
The ADC made it clear that Peter Obi, as a Nigerian citizen, does not require any form of permission or security clearance to visit any part of the country, including Edo State.
“Edo State is a Nigerian state. Obi is a free citizen and does not need the governor’s clearance to visit Nigerians in their own country,” ADC noted.
According to the party, such a remark reflects poorly on the Governor’s understanding of constitutional rights and the principles of democracy.
“When a governor panics over courtesy visits and modest donations, it is a clear sign that something is deeply wrong somewhere,” the party stated.
Also reacting, Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, slammed Governor Okpebholo for the tyrannical outburst.
Effiong in a statement post on Friday described the Okpebholo’s remarks as irresponsible and unbecoming of a public office holder.
“A semi-literate governor is issuing silly threats to a politician publicly in the name of politics,” he wrote. “Allowing misfits and thuggish individuals to assume political positions will always lead to disaster,” he warned.
According to the Rights Activist, the conduct was shameful and raises concerns about potential electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“They’re now saying clearly that they are preparing and planning for carnage and rigging in 2027,” the Rights lawyer pointed out.
