PETER OBI DARES GOV OKPEBHOLO, STORMS EDO, WELCOMED BY MAMMOTH CROWD

August 13, 2026 • Dons Eze • 2 min read

Reactions have continued to trail the presence of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Edo State despite a warning issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Fecall that Governor Okpebholo, on July 18 2025, warned the NDC candidate against visiting Edo State without prior notification and official security clearance.

The governor’s decision sparked backlash from concerned citizens, who argued that the former Anambra State governor has the right to visit any state in Nigeria.

However, Obi on Wednesday stormed Benin City, the Edo State capital, to join Catholic faithful, clergymen and other dignitaries at the service of songs and other funeral activities in honour of the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.

A viral video showed a large crowd excited supporters welcoming Obi into the state.

Hundreds of residents were seen lining the streets at night as Obi’s convoy made its way towards the Holy Cross Cathedral.

The development has continued to generate reactions on social media, with some netizens questioning the silence of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, following Obi’s arrival.

Popular television host, Rufai Oseni, in a post on his official X handle, wrote, “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”

Similarly, social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara said Obi’s arrival was unannounced, yet residents turned out in large numbers to welcome him.

“Word quickly spread that Obi was in town. Edo youths left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him.

“No campaign announcement. No mobilisation. They simply heard Peter Obi was around and showed up,” he wrote on X.

Another influencer, Manju Vic, wrote, “Hello Nigerians, D7 told Peter Obi not to set foot in Edo.

“Peter Obi went to Benin, walked through the streets, and hundreds of people came out to give him a triumphant entry.”

Similarly, an X user Freeman (@freeman_stv) said the crowd was visibly excited to see Obi, with many residents gathering around him to take pictures.

“The crowd was so excited to see him. Many people gathered around, taking pictures and trying to get close to him.

“It even took Peter Obi some time to enter the venue because of the huge crowd. This man is really loved,” he wrote.

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.