‘Disgraceful Display Of Thuggery’ — CUPP Condemns Governor Okpebholo’s Threat To Peter Obi

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has slammed Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, describing his recent warning to 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, as a veiled death threat.

Governor Okpebholo, in a widely circulated statement, had warned Obi against entering Edo State without seeking his prior approval — a remark many have construed as a direct threat to the former Anambra State governor. The governor further asserted that Obi’s safety would not be guaranteed should he visit, declaring ominously, “If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking.”

Okpebholo also accused Obi of allegedly sparking unrest during a previous visit to Edo State, when he reportedly donated ₦15 million to a nursing school — an incident the governor linked to disturbances in Benin City, which allegedly resulted in fatalities.

This marks the second time Peter Obi has been warned by governors from All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states, following a similar stance earlier taken by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia.

Reacting, CUPP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, decried the comments as unconstitutional and reckless. “Governor Okpebholo’s remarks, captured on record, represent an unacceptable affront to the constitutional right of every Nigerian to move freely within the country,” the coalition said.

CUPP urged political stakeholders, civil society groups, and rights advocates to rise against what it termed a brazen show of political thuggery.

“Peter Obi’s only ‘offence’ is extending support to hospitals, schools, nurses, and displaced persons across the country. Should any public officer feel threatened by acts of charity? This threat reflects a disgraceful arrogance that undermines the very fabric of Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement read.

The coalition warned that such conduct erodes democratic values and called for national vigilance in safeguarding constitutional freedoms. “The rule of law must be upheld. No leader — however powerful — has the right to infringe on citizens’ freedoms. Nigerians must demand better leadership and reject this shameful display of governance failure,” CUPP stated.