Chinazaekpere Chinwendu, Reporter
Abuja, July 22, 2025 —
Hon. Obi Aguocha, the federal lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, has strongly condemned recent remarks by the Gov Okpebholo of Edo State concerning Labour Party stalwart and former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Speaking in a live interview on Arise Television, Aguocha described the governor's comments as “reckless incitement to violence” and a clear threat to Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
Reacting to the controversial statement made by the Edo State Governor, who reportedly warned Peter Obi to seek security clearance before entering the state, Aguocha did not mince words.
“It’s quite unfortunate that a sitting governor would make such a statement in a campaign-style event without presenting credible evidence,” Aguocha said.
“He has not provided a police report. He has not given any medical evidence about the alleged stampede. Yet, he went ahead to say that ‘whatever Peter Obi sees in Edo, he will get.’ That, to me, is a veiled call for violence, a dangerous incitement to assassination.”
Hon. Aguocha acknowledged the report that three people may have died at a political event but insisted that unverified claims should not be used as justification for threatening political opponents.
“Even if there were casualties, and we truly sympathize with the victims and their families, it does not justify such inflammatory rhetoric. In a democratic society, leaders must be held accountable for their words. That governor must be called to order,” he added.
He accused the governor of abusing his platform to stoke political division and put the life of a national figure like Peter Obi at risk.
“Telling your supporters that Obi must inform you before coming to Edo, and warning that he will face consequences if he doesn’t, is incitement. That is not leadership; it is an abuse of office and a threat to national unity,” Aguocha asserted.
The Federal lawmaker said the attack on Peter Obi was part of a broader pattern of hostility from some APC-led states. He referenced similar actions from other state governors and accused the ruling party of trying to “militarize politics” and discredit Obi’s popularity.
“We saw something similar in Benue State. There’s a pattern here, APC state governors behaving more like security threats than security officers,” he noted.
“Dr. Sam Amadi was right when he said this is not democracy, but intimidation. They’re deliberately trying to reframe Peter Obi as divisive, inexperienced, or dangerous, which is not true.”
Despite these provocations, Aguocha praised Obi’s consistency and maturity in public discourse, saying he has never resorted to personal attacks or hate speech.
“Peter Obi has always challenged the Tinubu administration based on policy, not personality. Unlike what we’re seeing from APC’s side; hateful remarks, personal attacks, and intimidation. Obi represents policy alternatives and the aspirations of millions,” he stated.
When asked what advice he had for Peter Obi in the face of these attacks, Aguocha was blunt.
“Nothing,” he said. “The governor is inconsequential. He has no such power. Peter Obi remains a free citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whether he is contesting for office or not, he has a constitutional right to travel, to speak, and to assemble freely.”
He concluded by challenging the Edo State government to produce actual evidence of the alleged casualties instead of weaponizing emotion for political gain.
“If the government is sincere, let them publish the police reports, the DSS briefings, and medical records relating to the alleged deaths. Until then, this looks like pure political intimidation targeted at a man who won Edo State in 2023 and still enjoys massive grassroots support.”
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