By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu,
Abia State, Nigeria – July 22, 2025 —
Former Abia governorship candidate, Hon Onyekwere Akym Uche has fiercely condemned the reported travel ban imposed on former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, by Gov. Okpebholo of Edo State.
Describing the move as “a dangerous provocation” and “an incitement to violence,” Akym called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to suppress legitimate opposition voices.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, OAU criticized what he described as a worrisome trend by elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The action by the Edo State Governor is not only unacceptable, it is reckless and dangerous,” Akym said.
“You cannot, in any civilized democracy, bar a citizen, especially one of the most peaceful and respected political figures in Nigeria today, from entering a part of his own country. This is not governance; it is tyranny.”
He further warned that such restrictions send the wrong message and could incite supporters to violence. According to him, Peter Obi’s nonviolent and issue-based political style has become a threat to those afraid of accountability.
“What the Edo Governor has done is tantamount to inciting hostility toward Mr. Obi. It creates a false narrative that he is unwelcome and should be attacked or resisted. That is a direct threat to his safety and an invitation to chaos,” he emphasized.
Akym Uche, a well-known advocate for youth participation in governance and democratic accountability, stressed that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on the principle of open political engagement, not persecution.
“We cannot claim to be a democracy when state actors are weaponizing political power to silence voices of dissent. This is not just about Peter Obi. This is about our future as a nation,” he stated.
He called on civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the international community to pay close attention to what he described as “a calculated attempt to undermine the rights of political figures outside the ruling party.”
“Mr. Obi represents millions of Nigerians who believe in a new Nigeria. Banning him from moving freely is banning hope, banning truth, and banning change,” Akym declared.
“We will not be silent while a few attempt to drag us backward.”
As reactions continue to trail the controversy, many observers fear that the political climate in Edo State and beyond may become increasingly hostile if responsible leadership does not prevail.
Akym concluded by urging the Edo Governor to retract the directive and publicly guarantee Peter Obi’s freedom of movement and safety, saying
“Leadership is not exercised through fear, but through fairness. Let the Governor do the right thing, for the sake of democracy, peace, and justice.”
1 Comments
Akym, The people’s choice.
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