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IMPOSE VISA BAN ON EDO GOVERNOR OVER THREATS TO PETER OBI – GROUP WRITES AMERICAN EMBASSY
The Leadership and Accountability Initiative has petitioned the United States Embassy in Nigeria, urging the imposition of a visa ban on the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and members of his family over threats to the life and liberty of presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
In a letter dated July 21 and addressed to the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., the group raised alarm over what it called “a grave threat to democratic stability and political coexistence” following comments allegedly made by Governor Okpebholo.
According to the petition, the governor had, on Friday, July 18, 2025, openly warned Mr Obi against visiting Edo State for any reason, stating ominously that “whatever he sees, he should take.” The group condemned the statement as a direct threat to Obi’s life, his freedom of movement, and his right to participate in the democratic process.
“This amounts to state-sanctioned intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democratic space,” the letter read.
The organisation further expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of hostility against the Labour Party leader, citing a recent incident in which another state governor allegedly denied Mr Obi access to his state.
“These actions are not isolated. They form part of an orchestrated attempt to isolate, silence, and possibly endanger the life of Mr Obi, while also weakening multiparty democracy in Nigeria,” the group stated.
In calling for international sanctions, the group outlined two key reasons:
The governor, it claimed, is weaponising state resources to suppress opposition voices and discourage dissent.
The petition concluded with a plea for swift intervention from the international community to deter further erosion of Nigeria’s democratic values.
