Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned a recent warning issued by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing it as a threat to democratic freedom and unity.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Atiku declared, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against ALL of us.”
The remark comes in response to Governor Okpebholo’s controversial statement last week, where he insisted that Peter Obi must obtain security clearance before visiting Edo State.
The governor made the declaration during the defection ceremony of federal lawmaker Marcus Onobun to the All Progressives Congress (APC), drawing widespread criticism from citizens and opposition leaders alike.
Governor Okpebholo had cited Obi’s recent visit to the St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin, where the former Anambra State governor donated ₦15 million, as coinciding with a rise in violence in the state.
“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,” Okpebholo stated.
Many have condemned the governor’s remarks as an attempt to intimidate political opponents and restrict their movement under the guise of security concerns.
Atiku’s swift response has been hailed by supporters of opposition unity, with growing calls for leaders across party lines to uphold democratic values and protect the political rights of all Nigerians.
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