A civil rights organisation, Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has submitted a petition to the United States Embassy in Abuja, requesting the imposition of a visa ban on the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his immediate family members. The group accused the governor of issuing direct threats against former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
According to the petition, obtained by Chronicles Reporters, the group claimed Governor Okpebholo made threatening remarks regarding Obi’s potential visit to Edo State. The governor reportedly stated on Friday, July 18, 2025, that Obi should avoid the state, warning ominously that “whatever he sees, he should take.” The statement was widely interpreted as a personal threat, potentially endangering Obi’s safety and freedom of movement.
The civil group noted that this form of verbal aggression, coming from a sitting governor, constitutes a serious abuse of power. They stressed that it represents an act of political intimidation sanctioned by the state, and undermines Nigeria’s democratic values, including the right to free movement and political expression.
The petition also pointed to an alarming trend of similar conduct by other state governors. The group cited another recent incident where a different governor allegedly barred Obi from entering a neighbouring state on political grounds. These repeated patterns, according to the petitioners, are dangerous to the nation’s democratic framework and constitutional rights.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the group accused Governor Okpebholo of leveraging state apparatus to suppress opposition voices and stifle democratic engagement. They described such actions as not only a violation of domestic laws but also contrary to international democratic norms.
In their plea to the US government, the group urged for diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, against Governor Okpebholo and his family members. They believe this would serve as a deterrent to similar abuses by public officeholders in Nigeria.
“We write as defenders of democratic governance, civil freedoms, and political inclusivity in Nigeria,” the petition reads. “Governor Okpebholo’s threat to Mr. Peter Obi, a respected opposition figure, represents a grave threat to our political ecosystem.”
The petition continues: “On July 18, 2025, the governor issued an open threat against Obi’s presence in Edo State, stating that ‘whatever he sees, he should take.’ This is not just a reckless comment but a calculated attempt to silence opposition and undermine political diversity.”
The group also expressed concern that this incident follows a prior occurrence where another governor allegedly denied Obi access to a neighbouring state. According to the petitioners, this indicates a systematic effort to isolate and possibly endanger the former presidential candidate.
They outlined key reasons for the visa sanction request, including:
- Violation of Democratic Principles: Issuing threats against opposition politicians disrupts the foundations of democracy.
- Abuse of Public Office: The use of governmental influence and resources to threaten or restrict dissent is unacceptable and unlawful.
Meanwhile, a legal firm, Festus Ogun Legal (FOLEGAL), has also waded into the controversy. The firm has given Governor Okpebholo a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw his statement and publicly apologise to Mr. Obi and Nigerians.
The governor had insisted that Obi must obtain security clearance before entering Edo State. In a statement issued on July 21, 2025, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor reiterated the necessity of prior notification for any of Obi’s engagements in the state.
However, FOLEGAL, in a letter dated the same day and signed by its Managing Partner, Festus Ogun, described the governor’s stance as legally baseless. The letter, titled “Threat to Mr. Peter Obi is Illegal and Unconstitutional”, noted that restricting the movement of any Nigerian citizen without a legal basis is a direct violation of the Constitution.
The law firm cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right of all Nigerian citizens to move freely and reside anywhere within the country. It also referenced the Faith Okafor v. Lagos State Government (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA) case, which clearly affirms that no governor has the power to curtail any individual’s freedom of movement without legal justification.
“Your demand that Mr. Obi seek security clearance before visiting Edo is unsupported by law,” the letter stated. “Such a demand is a gross infringement on Mr. Obi’s constitutionally enshrined right.”
The firm described as outrageous any attempt to subject Peter Obi to a vetting process before he can enter any part of the country, labelling it an affront to Nigeria’s legal and democratic order.
“We respectfully demand an immediate retraction of the unconstitutional threat and a public apology to Mr. Obi and Nigerians,” the letter concluded.
FOLEGAL warned that failure to comply within seven days could lead to a lawsuit aimed at enforcing fundamental rights. “We are hopeful that you will act in the best interest of constitutional order,” the firm added.
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