The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has denounced a recent statement by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo targeting 2027 presidential hopeful Peter Obi, describing it as a “veiled death threat” and an affront to constitutional rights.
Governor Okpebholo, during a public event on Friday, had warned Obi not to enter Edo State without prior notification, stating that his safety could not be guaranteed and that he would “have himself to blame” if any harm came to him. The governor linked Obi’s recent visit to Benin City—where the former Anambra State governor donated ₦15 million to a local nursing school—to unrest in the state.
CUPP, in a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Chief Peter Ameh, condemned the governor’s comments as “disgraceful thuggery” and a direct attack on Nigeria’s democratic fabric. “This is a blatant violation of the constitutional right to freedom of movement,” the coalition said.
They further described the warning as an “unacceptable act of intimidation,” questioning why a governor would feel threatened by charitable gestures. “Obi’s engagements across the country have consistently focused on humanitarian support—building schools, hospitals, and supporting displaced persons,” CUPP noted.
Calling on political leaders, civil society, and the public to reject such rhetoric, the coalition said the governor’s actions reflect “dangerous arrogance” unbecoming of any public office holder. “Nigerians must resist attempts to erode democratic values. The rule of law must remain supreme,” the statement concluded.
