By Our Correspondent
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned a recent threat allegedly issued by the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, against Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Atiku expressed grave concern over the governor’s remarks, stating that such utterances undermine the principles of democracy and national unity.
“Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us!” Atiku stated emphatically, earning commendation from many Nigerians who praised his stand against political intimidation.
Governor Okpebholo reportedly made the controversial comments on Monday during a political rally in Edo State, where former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Marcus Onobun, formally defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In his speech, the governor issued what he described as a “direct warning” to Peter Obi.
“The man wey say he no get shishi — I am sending a direct message to him. There is a new sheriff in town.
He cannot come to Edo without informing me, because security will never be guaranteed. Whatever happens to him in Edo State, he will take it. I am serious about it,” Okpebholo declared in Pidgin English.
He also referenced Obi’s recent visit to St. Philomena College of Nursing in the state, where the former Anambra governor reportedly donated ₦15 million.
The governor alleged that Obi’s visit coincided with civil unrest in Benin City, which led to the deaths of three persons.
“He came the other day and donated ₦15 million. Somebody wey say hin no get shishi — where hin get ₦15 million to donate? By the time he left, there was a crisis. Three people died in Benin. So, for that reason, tell Obi he should not come to Edo without telling me,” Okpebholo added.
The comments have since sparked public outrage and drawn condemnation from various quarters, with many calling on political leaders to prioritize national unity and eschew inflammatory rhetoric
