A Threat to Obi Is a Threat to All of Us – Atiku Fires Back at Edo Governor

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent remarks made by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that any threat to Obi represents a threat to all Nigerians.

Atiku’s response came via a tweet on Tuesday, in reaction to Governor Okpebholo’s controversial statement that Obi must seek security clearance before entering Edo State. The governor’s comments were made during a political event marking the defection of federal lawmaker Marcus Onobun to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking nationwide criticism and backlash from opposition leaders and civil society groups.

Earlier in July, Peter Obi had visited St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin City, where he donated ₦15 million toward the institution’s ongoing projects. However, Governor Okpebholo linked the visit to an uptick in violence within the state.

“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 claimed.
“His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and this will not be tolerated,” he added.

Reacting via his verified Twitter account, Atiku posted:
“Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us.”

Many have interpreted Governor Okpebholo’s remarks as an attempt to intimidate or restrict opposition political figures from freely engaging with citizens in Edo State, raising concerns about freedom of movement and political tolerance in the lead-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

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