Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a warning regarding threats targeting opposition leaders. In a message shared on his X account on Tuesday, he emphasised that any intimidation directed at Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi constitutes a threat to all opposition figures.

He wrote, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us!”

The former vice president’s response came after Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who, during a rally in Benin City last Friday, advised Obi to secure security clearance before visiting the state, made comments.

“If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance. We cannot guarantee his safety otherwise if anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” he had said.

The governor clarified that during Obi’s last visit to the state, when he donated N15 million to a local nursing school, unrest erupted, leading to casualties.

Responding to criticism from many Nigerians and prominent figures, he claimed his remarks were misread.

The governor emphasised that his statement was merely related to security measures and not an attack on the opposition leader. He condemned the critics, asserting that his words should not be seen as threats.

In a Sunday release, Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary, stated that his boss’s comments had been misunderstood in various ways.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Peter Obi to the state.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike.

“This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.

“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats,” the statement read.


Itua emphasised the importance of the governor's stance, especially given the increasing violence and kidnappings targeting religious figures, notably Catholic priests and Christian clerics. He highlighted that the region has experienced its share of tragedies, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy members in recent times.

Furthermore, he cautioned that while public donations to churches, hospitals, and faith-based organisations are commendable, they should be handled carefully. Such contributions must be coordinated closely with security agencies to prevent these institutions and their leaders from becoming further targets of danger.

He added, “The governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility…

“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.

“Furthermore, the governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points.

“The state government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives.

“We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.”

ASA