By Muhammad Mamman
In a resolute statement, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that any threat to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, constitutes an attack on the collective spirit of the Nigerian populace. His remarks follow a contentious statement by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who last Friday cautioned Obi against visiting the state without prior security clearance.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that a threat to Peter Obi or any citizen is a threat to the very fabric of our nation!” Atiku asserted in a succinct post on his X account on Tuesday, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The controversy erupted following Obi’s well-received visit to Benin City on 7 July, where he visited the School of Nursing Sciences at St. Philomena’s Hospital. During the visit, he contributed ₦15 million towards the completion of ongoing infrastructural projects, earning widespread commendation. However, Governor Okpebholo expressed disquiet, noting that Obi’s visit coincided with a surge in security incidents, particularly targeting religious figures in the state.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor clarified that his remarks were not intended as a threat but rather as a call for high-profile individuals, especially politically exposed persons, to obtain security clearance prior to public engagements in Edo State. “It is imperative to ensure that such visits are conducted with due regard for the prevailing security climate,” the statement read.
Despite this clarification, Okpebholo’s comments drew sharp criticism. The Labour Party’s Senate caucus, in a statement endorsed by Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, condemned the governor’s stance as “executive overreach and a misuse of authority.” Renowned human rights barrister Femi Falana (SAN) also intervened, urging the governor to retract his statement and issue a public apology. Obi, notably, has remained silent on the matter.
In a related development, Obi, on Saturday, called for urgent action to address the plight of dental students at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), where delays in graduation and professional induction have sparked concern due to quota disputes. “No student should bear the consequences of leadership shortcomings,” Obi declared, pressing education stakeholders to resolve the crisis swiftly.
Atiku’s statement comes in the wake of a significant political realignment on 3 July, when he, alongside Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi, forged a coalition under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. This development signals a formidable opposition bloc, poised to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
