Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, instructing him not to visit the state again without prior security clearance.
The governor’s remarks came during a political event in Benin City on Friday, where he welcomed Marcus Onobun—a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker—into the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Okpebholo took aim at Obi’s recent visit to the state capital, claiming it sparked a wave of violence.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” the governor declared.
Okpebholo also used the occasion to trumpet the growing strength of the APC in Edo State, boasting that the party had effectively taken over the political landscape and was positioning itself for total dominance in the 2027 elections.
“We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu,” he stated confidently.
He dismissed the popularity of opposition figures on social media, insisting that real leadership is measured by results on the ground.
“Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State. I saw someone crying at Ring Road, talking about having 65%. That is what we call social media winning. When I said I would become the Governor, I meant it. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it,” he said.
The governor didn’t hold back in accusing opposition leaders of corruption and past misgovernance, pointing to their alleged role in Nigeria’s infrastructural and security challenges.
“Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and even ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. These same people now want to form new parties. Today, SDP, tomorrow ADC, next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” he alleged.
Speaking on his defection to the APC, Hon. Marcus Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, said his decision was both ideological and practical.
“I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition. I have seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing; Edo people have seen it. I am back home to support him so that our people can get more,” Onobun said.
