The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly condemned Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over his recent statement warning Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, not to enter Edo State without seeking clearance from his office.
In a fiery response, the National Secretary of the CUPP and Labour Party chieftain, Chief Peter Ameh, described the governor’s comments as a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a disgrace to democratic leadership.
Chief Ameh said the governor’s threat, reportedly issued after Obi donated ₦15 million to a nursing school during a recent visit, amounted to a veiled death threat and an abuse of office.
“Governor Okpebholo’s statement that Peter Obi should not dare enter Edo State without his permission, and his claim that Obi’s safety cannot be guaranteed, is not only unconstitutional but also dangerously irresponsible,” Ameh stated.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to freedom of movement, expression, and association — rights that cannot be suspended by any state governor under any guise.
“Peter Obi’s only ‘crime’ was extending help to educational and healthcare institutions. Should charity now attract threats? It is unthinkable and shameful,” he added.
Ameh called on Nigerians to resist any attempt by public officeholders to bully, intimidate, or harass fellow citizens under the guise of politics or power.
“This kind of reckless statement from a sitting governor is a threat to national unity and a betrayal of the people’s trust. Edo State and Nigeria deserve better,” he said.
He urged civil society, political stakeholders, and traditional institutions to condemn the governor’s statement, warning that allowing such rhetoric to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent.
“This is not a monarchy. We operate a democracy. The rule of law must prevail, and no Nigerian—no matter how powerful—should be allowed to trample on the rights of others,” the CUPP chieftain concluded
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