Niger Delta Congress condemns Governor Okpebholo’s threat to Peter Obi, demands focus on governance in Edo State

Summary

• Niger Delta Congress condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo’s remarks warning Peter Obi against visiting Edo State without clearance, calling them unconstitutional and a violation of citizens’ right to free movement
• The group criticised Okpebholo’s focus on political intimidation rather than addressing urgent issues like insecurity, poor infrastructure, and socioeconomic challenges in the state
• NDC urged the governor to apologise publicly and redirect his attention to effective governance and the welfare of Edo people
• The condemnation aligns with growing national outrage, joining other groups like Ohanaeze Youths, Labour Party, and CUPP in rejecting Okpebholo’s statements as reckless and undemocratic

Niger Delta, Nigeria — The Niger Delta Congress (NDC) has strongly criticised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo over a controversial statement made during a political rally on July 18, 2025, in which he warned Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, against visiting the state without his approval, suggesting Obi’s security could not be guaranteed otherwise.

In a statement dated July 19, obtained by AfrikTimes, the NDC described the governor’s remarks as divisive, unconstitutional, and a dangerous distraction from the pressing needs of Edo citizens. The group argued that Okpebholo’s comments violate Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement to all citizens. It further warned that such rhetoric undermines democratic norms and exposes deeper governance failures in the state.

“Such divisive rhetoric undermines democratic principles and distracts from the Governor’s core responsibilities,” said Mudiaga Ogboru, National Spokesperson for the Niger Delta Congress.

The group called on Governor Okpebholo to retract his statements, tender an unreserved public apology to Mr. Obi, and refocus on addressing the dire socioeconomic conditions in Edo State.

The NDC’s statement came amid growing national outrage over Okpebholo’s alleged threat, which was made while welcoming a defecting lawmaker during an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally. The governor had linked Obi’s earlier visit to Benin, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena’s Hospital School of Nursing, to a violent outbreak that left three people dead.

The Niger Delta Congress condemned the attempt to politicise humanitarian gestures, urging the governor to instead address the state’s widespread insecurity, poor infrastructure, and failing public services. “Edo State today faces dire challenges requiring urgent attention, which so far Mr. Okpebholo has not shown the capacity and strength of character to address,” the statement read.

The group also criticised what it described as the “thugification” of governance under Okpebholo’s watch, warning that Edo people deserve leadership focused on delivering measurable progress, not political intimidation.

The NDC’s position aligns with broader calls from political and civil society groups, including the Labour Party, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, all of whom have condemned the governor’s remarks as reckless and unacceptable.

While some groups are calling for sanctions, including visa bans, the Niger Delta Congress emphasised the need for institutional accountability and a return to responsible governance.

As of the time of this report, Governor Okpebholo has not issued a retraction or clarification.