Civil society group, the Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has petitioned the United States Embassy in Abuja, calling for a visa ban on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his family members over the “state-sanctioned threats” to former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi.
In the petition submitted on Monday obtained by SaharaReporters, the group accused Governor Okpebholo of openly threatening Obi’s safety and freedom of movement, following comments allegedly made by the governor on Friday, July 18, 2025.
According to the group, Governor Okpebholo had warned that Obi should not visit Edo State for any reason, stating that “whatever he sees, he should take,” a remark interpreted as a direct threat to the life and safety of the opposition figure.
The petition explained that this direct threat to the life, freedom of movement, and political participation of a Nigerian citizen —particularly a leading opposition figure —amounts to state-sanctioned intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous assault on the democratic space.
The group further noted that this is not an isolated incident.
It referenced a similar case involving another state governor who allegedly barred Obi from entering a neighbouring state for political reasons.
It warned that this emerging pattern poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and undermines constitutional freedoms.
The group added that the use of state power to suppress opposition and intimidate political rivals is not only a violation of human rights but also a clear affront to democratic norms and international standards.
The petition urged the US government to consider travel restrictions and other diplomatic sanctions on Governor Okpebholo and his immediate family as a deterrent to further political repression in Nigeria.
The statement read, “We write as concerned stakeholders in the protection and promotion of democratic values, civil liberties, and political tolerance within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to bring to your urgent attention a grave threat to democratic stability and political coexistence issued by the sitting Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures and former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
“On or about Friday, the 18th of July, 2025, Governor Okpebholo openly threatened Mr. Obi against visiting Edo State for any reason whatsoever, warning ominously that “whatever he sees, he should take.” This direct threat to the life, freedom of movement, and political participation of a Nigerian citizen-more so a leading opposition figure-amounts to state-sanctioned intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous assault on the democratic space.
“We recall that just weeks prior, another sitting governor in a neighboring state reportedly denied Mr. Obi entry into the state on similar political grounds. This disturbing pattern indicates an orchestrated attempt to isolate, silence, and possibly endanger the life of Mr. Obi, and by extension, undermine multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
“Reasons for International Sanction:Violation of Democratic Norms: Threatening political opponents with violence or obstruction violates the tenets of democracy and the rule of law.
“Abuse of State Power: The governor is using state resources and influence to repress opposition and discourage dissent,” they added.
SaharaReporters previously reported that a legal firm, Festus Ogun Legal (FOLEGAL), has given the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, a seven-day ultimatum to retract unconstitutional threats and tender a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and the good people of Nigeria.
The governor had threatened that Obi “must not come to Edo without security clearance,” warning that his safety would not be guaranteed if he failed to heed the warning.
In a public statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on July 21, 2025, Governor Okpebholo reiterated that there is a need for Obi “to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before embarking on any public engagement within the state.”
However, the law firm, in a letter to the governor dated July 21, titled “Threat to Mr. Peter Obi is Illegal and Unconstitutional,” and signed by Festus Ogun, Esq., Managing Partner, stated that threatening Obi not to visit Edo State without security clearance from his office is not supported by law.
The law firm cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and some decided cases by various courts, which hold that a governor lacks the right or power to restrict the freedom of movement of any person without recourse to law.
The letter stated, “With respect, threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to visit Edo State without security clearance from your office is certainly not supported by law. Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides that every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.
“Similarly, the Court of Appeal in Faith Okafor v Lagos State Government (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA) made it very clear that a Governor lacks the right or power to restrict the freedom of movement of any person without recourse to law.”
The law firm described as preposterous the idea that the governor would subject Obi to any form of security clearance or approval before visiting Edo State for any purpose.
“It is, in fact, a gross violation of Mr. Peter Obi’s constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of movement,” the firm insisted.
“Considering the foregoing, we hereby respectfully request that you retract the unconstitutional threats and tender a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and the good people of Nigeria,” the letter read.
“We are confident that this modest request will be met within seven days of receipt of this letter. In the unlikely event that our request is not met within the timeframe, we may be compelled to institute a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit against you, in the interest of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.”
“We trust that you are properly advised and would act accordingly,” the letter added.(SaharaReporters)
