ADC condemns Edo Governor’s ‘Persona Non Grata’ Declaration against Peter Obi, Calls it ‘Disgraceful’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the recent statement by Governor Monday Okpebolo declaring Mr. Peter Obi persona non grata in Edo State. Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, labeled the Governor’s action as “disgraceful as it is undemocratic”.

In a statement released today, Abdullahi asserted that “Edo State is a Nigerian State. Peter Obi is a free citizen and does not need the Governor’s clearance to visit Nigerians in their own country”.

He emphasized Obi’s constitutional right to freedom of movement and association within the country.

Abdullahi further suggested that Governor Okpebolo’s statement “betrays deep insecurity”.

He elaborated, “When a Governor panics over courtesy visits and modest donations, it is a clear sign that something is deeply wrong somewhere”.

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The ADC spokesperson also drew a contrast between leadership styles, implying that the Governor’s reaction stems from a perceived lack of public satisfaction with his own performance. Abdullahi stated, “Leaders who have served the people well will not be bothered when others receive applause. Perhaps, the people celebrating PO are simply reminding the Edo State Governor the kind of leader he should be”.

The condemnation from ADC highlights growing political tensions surrounding visits by prominent opposition figures to states governed by different political parties.