Peter Obi's N15m Donation: Edo Gov Okpebholo Issues Strong Warning to Ex-LP Presidential Candidate
- Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, warned Peter Obi to obtain security clearance before visiting Edo
- Okpebholo declared APC firmly in control of Edo, praising Marcus Onobun’s defection as the final blow to the PDP in the state ahead of 2027 elections
- The governor accused opposition figures of corruption and insecurity, while Onobun cited ideological reasons for joining APC to support Okpebholo’s governance
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Benin, Edo state - Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying he must obtain security clearance before entering the state.
Obi had visited Benin, the state capital, on Monday, July 7, where he donated N15 million to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences to support ongoing projects.
Source: Twitter
Okpebholo condemns Obi’s visit amid violence resurgence
Speaking on Friday, July 18, while receiving Marcus Onobun, the last remaining opposition federal lawmaker in Edo, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Okpebholo criticised Obi’s visit.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” Okpebholo said.
He added,
“His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and this will not be tolerated.”
Okpebholo declares APC in firm control of Edo State
At the event, the governor described Onobun’s defection to the APC as the final nail in the coffin for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state.
“We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu,” Okpebholo stated.
He continued,
“Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State. When I said I would become governor, I meant it. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it.”
Governor accuses opposition of corruption and insecurity
Okpebholo further accused opposition figures of deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement, blaming some for derailed national projects and insecurity.
“Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. These same people now want to form new parties. We do not need insecurity merchants,” he declared.
Onobun cites ideological reasons for defection
Source: Twitter
Marcus Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, said his move to APC was both ideological and strategic.
“I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition. I have seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing; Edo people have seen it. I am back home to support him so that our people can get more,” Onobun explained.
Onobun was joined by former APC members who had previously defected to the PDP. Observers view their return as a major consolidation of APC’s political strength ahead of future elections in Edo state.
Analyst slams Okpebholo over outburst
Political analyst Hamma Hayatu, speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, July 20, dismissed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s outburst against Peter Obi as “childish theatrics,” insisting the governor is no match for the former Anambra State leader in character, competence, or public trust.
“Governor Okpebholo’s comments smack of insecurity and political desperation. Comparing himself to Peter Obi is like comparing a roadside kiosk to a national brand. Obi has earned his place as a respected statesman, and these cheap shots won’t change that,” Hayatu said.
He added that threatening Obi over a peaceful visit and donation to a health institution shows a disturbing abuse of power, not leadership.
“Okpebholo should focus on governance, not gatekeeping. Edo people know the difference between noise and substance—and Obi represents substance,” Hayatu said..
Oshiomhole asks Okpebholo to probe Obaseki
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North and former governor of the state, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to investigate his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
Speaking on Thursday, July 10, during an event celebrating the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Okpebholo’s election victory, Oshiomhole insisted that Okpebholo now has the opportunity and duty to look into alleged mismanagement involving state funds.
Source: Legit.ng
