Group petitions U.S. Embassy, seeks visa ban on Okpebholo over threats to Peter Obi

A civil society group, Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has filed a formal petition to the United States Embassy in Abuja, calling for a visa ban on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his family, over what it described as state-backed threats against former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi.

The petition stems from alleged remarks made by Governor Okpebholo on Friday, July 18, 2025, in which he reportedly warned that Obi must not visit Edo State “for any reason,” ominously adding that “whatever he sees, he should take.”

The group described this as a direct threat to Obi’s life, political freedom, and constitutional rights, and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

In its petition to the U.S. government, the group alleged that Governor Okpebholo’s remarks amount to state-sponsored intimidation and abuse of office, warning that such rhetoric endangers political coexistence and undermines multiparty democracy in Nigeria.

“We write as concerned stakeholders in the protection and promotion of democratic values, civil liberties, and political tolerance within the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the petition read.

“On July 18, Governor Okpebholo openly threatened Mr. Obi against visiting Edo State. This constitutes a dangerous assault on the democratic space and a violation of Obi’s constitutional rights.”

The group drew attention to what it described as a growing trend of opposition suppression, referencing a recent case where another state governor allegedly barred Obi from entering his state for political reasons.

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The pattern, the group warned, signals a systemic effort to isolate and intimidate political rivals, particularly those challenging the political status quo.

The petition urged the U.S. Embassy to impose travel restrictions and diplomatic sanctions on Governor Okpebholo and his immediate family, describing such actions as a necessary deterrent against political repression and violations of human rights.

“Threatening political opponents with violence or restricting their movements violates democratic norms and international standards. Using state power to silence dissent is unacceptable,” the group stated.

In a related development, Festus Ogun Legal (FOLEGAL), a Nigerian law firm, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Okpebholo to retract his comments and tender a public apology to Peter Obi and the Nigerian public.

In a letter dated July 21, 2025, signed by Managing Partner Festus Ogun, the law firm condemned the governor’s remarks as unconstitutional and unlawful, citing Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of movement to all Nigerian citizens.

“Threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to visit Edo State without your office’s security clearance is not supported by any provision of the law,” the letter asserted.

FOLEGAL further referenced the Court of Appeal ruling in Faith Okafor v. Lagos State Government (2016), which established that no governor has the legal authority to restrict a citizen’s movement without lawful justification.

The firm described the governor’s stance as a “gross violation of Mr. Obi’s constitutionally guaranteed rights,” adding that it may be compelled to initiate a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit if a public apology and retraction are not made within the stipulated time.

Governor Okpebholo, through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, defended his position, stating that Mr. Obi should notify the state and obtain security clearance before any public engagement in Edo.

He claimed the intention was to ensure proper coordination and safety, rather than to infringe on Obi’s rights.