Okpebholo Warns Peter Obi To Seek Security Clearance Before Visiting Edo Again

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, must obtain security clearance before visiting the state again.

Speaking on Friday while welcoming federal lawmaker Marcus Onobun into the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo condemned Obi’s July 7 visit to Benin City, during which he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences.

“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” the governor said.

He linked Obi’s visit to a reported resurgence of violence in the state and warned that such developments would not be tolerated.

Governor Okpebholo also declared that Onobun’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC marked the end of the opposition in Edo State.

“We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

He ridiculed PDP’s recent political claims, saying, “I saw someone crying at Ring Road, talking about having 65 per cent. That is social media winning. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it.”

Accusing opposition leaders of corruption and complicity in national insecurity, the governor alleged, “Some stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and couldn’t build roads to their villages. Some sold Nigeria’s assets and ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. Now they want to form new parties — today SDP, tomorrow ADC, next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants.”

APC’s Acting Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, said Onobun’s defection is a major boost ahead of a senatorial rerun election next month. He expressed confidence that more PDP members would join the APC ahead of 2027.

Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, said his return to the APC was both ideological and strategic.

“I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition. I’ve seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing. Edo people have seen it. I’m back home to support him so our people can get more,” he said.

He was joined by several former APC members who had defected with him to the PDP but have now returned — a development seen as a significant step in consolidating political power in the state.