Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned what he described as a veiled threat against Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, declaring that any threat to Obi is a threat to all Nigerians.

 

Atiku made the statement on Tuesday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), in response to a growing controversy involving the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Governor Okpebholo sparked outrage last Friday during a public event, where he linked Obi’s recent visit to the state with a resurgence of violence, and further insisted that the opposition leader must obtain security clearance before entering Edo State. Critics and civil society groups have described the remarks as a dangerous precedent and a direct threat to democratic principles and Obi’s personal safety.

 

Reacting to the backlash, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, issued a statement clarifying that his principal’s comments were misrepresented. According to him, the governor’s call was merely a standard security protocol and not an expression of hostility.

 

“It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state,” Itua said.

 

He stressed that Governor Okpebholo, as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, holds the constitutional responsibility to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.

 

However, Atiku, in his post, issued a firm warning against any form of intimidation directed at opposition figures.

 

“Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us!” Atiku stated.

 

The incident has continued to stir public discourse, with many calling for greater tolerance, respect for democratic values, and protection of political freedoms ahead of the next general election.