Civil Society Groups Slam Governor Okpebholo Over Threat to Peter Obi’s Security in Edo State

Three civil society organizations, ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), have jointly condemned a recent threat made by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a widely circulated video, Governor Okpebholo warned supporters that Mr. Obi must not visit Edo State without his permission, stating ominously:

“His security will never be guaranteed… Whatever happens to him, he will take it… I am the new sheriff in town.”

The CSOs labeled the Governor’s statement as “dangerous, undemocratic, and a blatant threat to peace and political freedom.”
In their words:

“These are not offhand political jests. They constitute a direct threat to the life and liberty of a fellow citizen... Such a public display of intolerance, authoritarian bravado, and politicisation of state power should deeply worry every Nigerian and international stakeholder who believes in democracy.”

They stressed that a governor’s role is to guarantee the safety of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

The organizations expressed concern that such rhetoric could fuel political violence, especially as Edo State’s 2026 governorship election approaches.

They recalled a similar threat faced by Peter Obi in Benue State in April 2025, underscoring a growing trend of politically motivated intimidation.

“No Governor or politician has the right to bar any citizen from freely associating or expressing opinions,” the groups stated.

They called Governor Okpebholo’s words a “serious warning sign” that security agencies may be compromised for political use.

The CSOs made several demands:

• A public retraction and apology from Governor Okpebholo

• Investigation by the Nigeria Police and DSS into the threat

• Risk assessments by INEC incorporating the incident

• A probe by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

“Nigeria’s democracy is imperfect, but threats like this bring us closer to its total derailment,” they warned.

They concluded by reminding public officials that power is a trust, not a weapon, and that democracy thrives on fair competition, not fear.