Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is facing widespread criticism following a controversial statement directed at former presidential candidate Peter Obi, warning that his security would not be guaranteed should he visit the state again without prior notice.

The governor’s remarks, captured in viral video clips, surfaced shortly after Obi’s recent visit to Edo, where he donated ₦15 million to a nursing school part of his ongoing efforts to support education and healthcare across Nigeria.

In the footage, Governor Okpebholo, addressing supporters, expressed displeasure over the visit being made without prior communication with the state government. “Next time, he should tell us before coming. He cannot just come into my state and do whatever he likes. Next time, his security is not guaranteed,” he stated.

The comments have ignited strong backlash, particularly on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where many Nigerians described the governor’s words as a veiled threat and an affront to democratic values.

“This is disturbing. A Nigerian can no longer visit a part of his own country without fear of political intimidation?” one user wrote.

Supporters of the Labour Party have demanded a public apology from Governor Okpebholo and called for him to immediately retract the statement.

As of the time of this report, the Edo State Government has not released an official statement addressing the growing public concern.