Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a stern directive: former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi must obtain explicit security clearance before visiting Edo. The governor’s warning follows Obi’s July 7 visit to Benin City, during which he donated ₦15 million to the St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences .
Governor Okpebholo expressed concern that Obi’s visit “coincided with a resurgence of violence,” pointing to the deaths of three individuals shortly after the event. The governor questioned the source of Obi’s generosity, noting that Obi had previously claimed he lacked funds—yet managed to offer a substantial cash gift.
Speaking at a political rally marking the defection of federal lawmaker Marcus Onobun and others from the PDP to the APC, Okpebholo branded Obi’s arrival as untimely and demanded state-level security approval for any future visits. He emphasized, “He must not come to Edo without security clearance”—asserting his role as the state’s chief security overseer.
Beyond addressing Obi, the governor used the event to cement APC dominance in the state, declaring the PDP effectively “buried.” He pledged unwavering support for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, confidently predicting Edo’s 2.5 million votes for the ruling party.
Okpebholo didn’t stop there—he accused opposition politicians of fostering national insecurity. He claimed some misappropriated railway funds, neglected rural roads, sold off national assets, and even paved the way for groups like Boko Haram—labeling them “merchants of insecurity” and decrying their tendency to jump between parties.
Representing Esan Central/West/Igueben, Onobun explained his defection was driven by ideology and pragmatism. He praised the governor’s development agenda, stating he could no longer remain in the opposition. He pledged to support Okpebholo’s vision to benefit the people.
This move to regulate Obi’s engagement with the state adds another twist to the ongoing political drama in Edo.
