A civil society group under the banner of Leadership & Accountability Initiative has petitioned the United States and United Kingdom Embassies in Nigeria, seeking an international visa ban on Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State, and his family members over alleged threats to the life and political freedom of former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
In a letter dated July 21, 2025, and addressed to U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jnr., the group raised concerns over what it described as a “grave threat to democratic stability and political coexistence” in Nigeria. The petition, personally signed by Emmanuel Egbaokhio Ari, cited an alleged public statement made by Governor Okpebholo on July 18, 2025, where the governor reportedly warned Mr. Obi against visiting Edo State, stating ominously that “whatever he sees, he should take.”
The group described the alleged comments as a direct threat to Obi’s life, freedom of movement, and political participation, accusing Governor Okpebholo of engaging in state-sanctioned intimidation and abuse of office. It further claimed that the governor’s remarks represented a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democratic space.
According to the petitions, this incident mirrors a growing pattern of political intolerance, noting a recent case in which another sitting governor allegedly barred Mr. Obi from entering a neighboring state for political reasons. The group argued that these developments undermine multiparty democracy and could escalate political tension in the country.
The petitions outlined two key reasons for requesting international sanctions: (1) violation of democratic norms through threats and obstruction of political opponents, and (2) abuse of state power to intimidate and silence dissent.
Okpebholo’s recent remarks has caused widespread outrage in Nigeria, with many describing it as abuse of office.
