Obi Storms Benin Despite Gunshot, Governor’s Warning, Residents Hail Him ‘President’

By Our Correspondent

Reactions have continued to trail the visit of the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to Benin City, Edo State, despite a warning issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo last year.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, on Wednesday visited the Edo State capital to join Catholic faithful, clergymen and other dignitaries at the service of songs and other funeral activities held in honour of the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.

The visit has sparked fresh debate on social media, particularly over the governor’s earlier directive concerning Obi’s visits to the state.

THE RAZOR NEWS had reported that on July 18, 2025, Okpebholo warned Obi against visiting Edo State without prior notification and official security clearance. Obi’s convoy was shot at the time by a suspect identified as a schoolteacher in Rivers State.

The warning had generated controversy at the time, with critics arguing that Obi, as a Nigerian citizen and former governor, had the constitutional right to travel to any part of the country.

Obi’s latest visit appeared to put the controversy back in the spotlight.
A viral video showed a large crowd of supporters and residents welcoming Obi into Benin City as his convoy moved towards the Holy Cross Cathedral.

Hundreds of residents were seen lining the streets , with some struggling to get close to the former Anambra governor, while others took photographs and hailed him.

The size and spontaneity of the crowd also triggered reactions from social media users, with some questioning why there had been no apparent official reaction from the Edo State Government following Obi’s arrival.

Popular television host, Rufai Oseni, in a post on his official X handle, wrote: “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”

Similarly, social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara said Obi’s arrival was not publicly announced as a campaign event, yet residents reportedly turned out in large numbers after news of his presence spread.

“Word quickly spread that Peter Obi was in town. Edo youths left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him.

“No campaign announcement. No mobilisation. They simply heard Peter Obi was around and showed up,” he wrote on X.

Another social media influencer, Manju Vic, said Obi had defied the governor’s earlier warning.
“Hello Nigerians, D7 told Peter Obi not to set foot in Edo.

“Peter Obi went to Benin, walked through the streets, and hundreds of people came out to give him a triumphant entry,” she wrote.President’

An X user, Freeman (@freeman_stv), also described the reception as evidence of the enthusiasm surrounding Obi’s presence.

“The crowd was so excited to see him. Many people gathered around, taking pictures and trying to get close to him.
“It even took Peter Obi some time to enter the venue because of the huge crowd. This man is really loved,” he wrote.

Obi’s visit, however, was in connection with funeral activities for the late Catholic archbishop and not announced as a political campaign rally.

The development has nonetheless renewed public discussion over the scope of the governor’s earlier warning and the political significance of Obi’s reception in Edo State.