A civil society organization, the Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has petitioned the United States Embassy in Abuja, calling for a visa ban on the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his immediate family. The group accuses the governor of issuing threats against former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi, in what it described as a disturbing pattern of political intimidation and abuse of power.
In a petition obtained by SaharaReporters, the group expressed concern over remarks allegedly made by Governor Okpebholo on Friday, July 18, 2025, warning Mr. Obi against visiting Edo State. The governor was quoted as saying that Obi should “take whatever he sees,” a statement widely interpreted as a direct threat to Obi’s personal safety, freedom of movement, and political participation.
“This is a clear case of state-sanctioned intimidation and a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s democratic space,” the group said in its petition. “Such utterances from a sitting governor are not only unconstitutional but also capable of inciting violence and endangering political opponents.”
The group noted that this is not an isolated incident, referencing a recent occurrence where another state governor allegedly barred Obi from entering a neighboring state for political reasons. It warned that these events point to a coordinated attempt to restrict the opposition’s freedom of movement and participation, which could seriously undermine Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
Calling on the US government to impose travel restrictions and consider diplomatic sanctions, the group urged Washington to send a clear message that threats against political opponents will not be tolerated.
“We write as concerned stakeholders committed to protecting democratic values and civil liberties,” the petition read. “We urge the United States to act decisively to discourage further political repression and uphold democratic norms in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, a legal firm, Festus Ogun Legal (FOLEGAL), has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Okpebholo, demanding a retraction of his threats and a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and the Nigerian people. In a letter dated July 21, 2025, and signed by Festus Ogun, Esq., the firm argued that the governor’s remarks are unconstitutional and violate Obi’s fundamental rights.
The letter cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to move freely within the country. It also referenced the Court of Appeal’s ruling in Faith Okafor v Lagos State Government (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA), affirming that no governor has the legal authority to restrict a citizen’s movement without due process.
“Threatening Mr. Obi with security clearance requirements or barring him from Edo State is not supported by any law,” the letter stated. “It is a gross violation of his constitutional rights.”
The firm warned that if the governor fails to comply with the demand within seven days, legal action would be taken to enforce Obi’s fundamental rights and uphold the rule of law.
Governor Okpebholo, through his Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, reiterated his stance in a public statement, insisting that Obi must seek prior security clearance before any public engagement in Edo State.
However, civil society actors, legal experts, and opposition voices have condemned this position as a dangerous affront to constitutional democracy and a misuse of executive power.
The escalating controversy continues to attract public attention, raising broader concerns about political intolerance and shrinking democratic space in Nigeria ahead of the next electoral cycle.
