Igbo community in Abuja condemns Okpebholo’s  threat against Peter Obi

The Igbo Community Association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has strongly condemned recent comments made by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, in which he allegedly threatened and accused former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, of instigating violence in Edo during a recent visit.

In a statement released on Friday night and signed by the association’s President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the group described Governor Okpebholo’s comments as “irresponsible, unbecoming of a state executive, and a dangerous display of political intolerance.”

According to the association, the governor’s remarks, which linked the visit of Peter Obi to the killing of three persons in Edo State, not only lack merit but also pose a threat to national unity and peaceful coexistence.

“The Governor of Edo State, Okpebholo, must be cautious of the manner he expresses himself, especially now that he holds public office,” Ellis-Ezenekwe stated. “His comment labeling Peter Obi a security threat is simply disappointing and unbecoming of a supposed statesman.”

The association argued that Governor Okpebholo does not possess the constitutional power to prevent any Nigerian citizen—including Peter Obi—from entering or visiting any part of the country.

“Peter Obi is a free citizen of Nigeria with full constitutional rights to travel anywhere within the country. The idea that a sitting governor can dictate who enters his state sets a dangerous precedent,” Ellis-Ezenekwe said.

The statement further accused Governor Okpebholo of diverting attention from his core responsibilities by focusing on political distractions.

“It is sad and disappointing for the governor to abandon the mounting responsibilities of governance to concentrate on Peter Obi’s travel log. He should focus on his duties and leave Peter Obi alone,” the association noted.

The group also expressed concern over what it called a growing pattern of anti-Igbo sentiment, citing past incidents involving political figures and the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

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“This is no longer just about Peter Obi—it reflects deep-seated hostility toward the Igbo people. The targeting of Nnamdi Kanu, who has not been convicted of any crime, and now the public threat against Peter Obi, underscores the systemic marginalization of the Igbo,” the statement read.

Ellis-Ezenekwe called on Nigeria’s security agencies to caution Governor Okpebholo against issuing divisive statements that could incite ethnic or political unrest.

“The politics of bloodshed and intimidation must stop. Nigeria is not a one-party state. We are practicing democracy. People must be allowed to express themselves, associate freely, and travel across the federation without fear,” he said.

The association also criticized other political actors who have reportedly acted in a similar manner, accusing them of “fearing the rising popularity of new political movements.”

“I understand the governor’s fears,” the statement added. “That’s what someone who lacks popularity would say. He sees Peter Obi as a possible face of the emerging coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and that frightens him.”

Concluding, Ellis-Ezenekwe warned against the rising tide of intolerance and suppression of dissenting voices, which he said threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us—not a select few. The evils befalling this country are driven by bad governance, ignorance, arrogance, and hate. It’s time for leaders to rise above these and embrace the true spirit of national unity,” he declared.