By Muhammad Mamman
Edo State’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, has branded Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi a hypocrite, accusing him of flouting security protocols during a recent visit to the state. The allegations, which have sparked a fierce political row, include claims that Obi’s actions led to a deadly stampede and echo past controversies from his time as Anambra State governor.
‘Protocol Breach and a Deadly Stampede’
Ohonbamu alleged that Obi’s visit to Edo on 7 July defied a police advisory against public gatherings amid heightened security concerns. The commissioner claimed the visit triggered a stampede, resulting in at least three deaths. “Intelligence reports confirmed two people died in hospital,” Ohonbamu said, adding that the state withheld the information to avoid public panic. “Anywhere Obi goes, there’s euphoria, and people rush after him. That can cause chaos. The governor doesn’t want casualties.”
The commissioner further accused Obi of hypocrisy, pointing to a 2013 incident when, as Anambra governor, Obi allegedly detained then-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai for 48 hours. “That wasn’t just an abuse of power—it showed a fixation with raw authority,” Ohonbamu said, noting that the detention exceeded legal limits. He also claimed Obi disregarded protocol in Benue State, where Governor Hyacinth Alia reportedly blocked his entry.
‘Charity or Political Stunt?’
Obi’s ₦15 million donation to a nursing school during his Edo visit was dismissed by Ohonbamu as a “fraudulent” gesture masking deeper issues. “You don’t give the way others do. It’s embedded in deceit, and deceit is corruption,” he said, arguing that Obi’s public generosity thrives on creating an impression of austerity.
Governor Denies Threats
The controversy stems from remarks by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who advised Obi to notify authorities ahead of future visits to ensure proper security arrangements. Obi’s supporters, known as “Obidients,” branded the statement a threat, prompting a sharp rebuke from the Labour Party. Nana Kazaure, a party spokesperson, called it an “infringement of Obi’s constitutional rights” under Section 41 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. “This was a direct threat to Mr Obi’s life and an embarrassment to the governor,” she said.
Governor Okpebholo, through his Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, denied issuing any threat, insisting his comments were misinterpreted amid rising insecurity in Edo, including attacks on religious leaders. “The governor only sought to ensure safety,” Itua said.
Calls for Apology
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has demanded that Okpebholo retract his statement and apologise. The Labour Party’s Senate caucus, including Senators Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Ezea Okey, and Tony Nwoye, condemned the governor’s remarks as “executive rascality and abuse of office.”
Political Tensions Escalate
The row has intensified political divisions, with Obi’s supporters accusing the Edo government of targeting him for his growing influence. Ohonbamu, however, maintained that the criticism was politically motivated. “Other politicians comply with protocol—why not him?” he asked.
As the debate rages, questions remain about balancing security, political freedoms, and public safety in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.
This article was written in the BBC’s concise, neutral, and informative style, with a catchy lead to draw readers in while presenting both sides of the controversy.
