Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has denied allegations that he directed any agency of the Edo State Government to attack former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential aspirant Peter Obi during his recent visit to the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night by his Chief Press Secretary Patrick Ebojele, Governor Okpebholo said no directive was issued by him or any organ of the state to target members of any political party.
“The Edo State Government has noted with concern the allegation by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, claiming that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in Edo State,” the statement read.
“We wish to state unequivocally that the Okpebholo administration is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.
“No directive was at any time issued by the Governor or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party. These allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.”
The governor recalled his earlier position that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable security coordination.
“The statement recalled the Governor’s earlier position regarding high-profile political visits to Edo State, where he made it clear that his comments were purely guided by security responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state, and not borne out of political hostility toward any individual or group.
“Governor Okpebholo had consistently maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.
“We view any attempt to twist the Governor’s security advisory into claims of intimidation or orchestrated attacks as misleading and politically motivated.”
The statement added that on Monady February 23, a faction of the African Democratic Congress led by former Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie was shut out of a meeting at the residence of former Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun due to an internal crisis within the party, which was resolved after police officers intervened.
“It is now evident that the ADC and, by extension, Peter Obi are making efforts to cast aspersions on the work this administration is doing. The Edo State Government therefore urges political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity. The administration remains committed to protecting all residents and visitors while upholding the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful movement and association.
“The government reiterates that its focus remains on governance, public safety and economic development, and not political persecution.”
In a separate statement, Okpebholo condemned the assault on members of the ADC and described the incident as an escalation of internal party conflict.
“As peace-loving citizens, we categorically condemn and will not tolerate the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of political activity,” he said.
“While the precise motive behind this attack remains unclear, I believe its primary aim is to discredit Edo State.”
He called on political parties to resolve internal disputes before organising public events and urged security agencies to monitor political gatherings to prevent escalation, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
