Group Petitions US Embassy Over Alleged Threats By Edo Governor Against Peter Obi

A civil society organization, Leadership and Accountability Initiative, has petitioned the United States Embassy in Abuja, urging it to impose a visa ban on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his family.

The petition follows what the group described as “state-sanctioned threats” directed at former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

The petition, submitted on Monday, claims that Governor Okpebholo made threatening remarks about Obi in a statement allegedly issued on Friday, July 18, 2025. According to the group, the governor warned that Obi should not enter Edo State “for any reason” and ominously added, “Whatever he sees, he should take.”

The group interpreted the statement as a direct threat to Obi’s safety and freedom of movement, calling it a gross abuse of power and a violation of democratic principles and human rights. It warned that such rhetoric undermines Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and fosters political intimidation.

The group urged the U.S. government to impose travel bans and other diplomatic sanctions on Okpebholo and his immediate family to deter further acts of political repression.

They also referenced a similar past incident involving a neighbouring state governor who reportedly barred Obi from entering his state on political grounds, warning that the use of state power to intimidate opposition figures is becoming a dangerous trend.

Meanwhile, legal firm Festus Ogun Legal (FOLEGAL) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Okpebholo, demanding a retraction of the alleged threats and a public apology to Peter Obi and the Nigerian public.

In a letter dated July 21 and signed by Managing Partner Festus Ogun, the firm denounced the governor’s remarks—particularly the statement that Obi “must not come to Edo without security clearance”—as unconstitutional.

FOLEGAL cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to move freely within the country. It also referenced a Court of Appeal judgement affirming that no state governor has the legal authority to restrict a citizen’s movement without due process.

The firm warned that failure to comply with its demands within the stipulated timeframe may lead to legal action to protect Obi’s fundamental rights.