Civil Group Petitions US Embassy to Impose Visa Ban on Governor Okpebholo Over Alleged Threats to Peter Obi
Rewritten Story (By Okafor Chinonso Myra | July 22, 2025):
Abuja, Nigeria – July 22, 2025 – A prominent civil society organization, Leadership and Accountability Initiative, has filed a formal petition with the United States Embassy in Abuja, demanding a visa ban on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and members of his immediate family. The petition accuses the governor of issuing threats against Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate.
The group submitted its petition on Monday, citing a statement allegedly made by Governor Okpebholo on Friday, July 18, 2025, where he was reported to have warned Obi against visiting Edo State. The governor was quoted as saying that Obi “should not come to Edo for any reason,” adding that “whatever he sees, he should take.”
According to the petitioners, this remark constitutes a direct threat to Peter Obi’s safety and freedom of movement, and represents an abuse of executive power.
Civil Society Condemns “State-Sanctioned Intimidation”
The Leadership and Accountability Initiative condemned the governor’s statement as undemocratic, unconstitutional, and dangerous to Nigeria’s multiparty political system. It accused Governor Okpebholo of weaponizing state authority to intimidate political opposition and called for diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, to serve as a deterrent to such actions.
The petition also referenced a similar incident involving a neighboring state governor who allegedly barred Obi from entering the state. It warned that this growing trend of using political office to suppress dissent violates constitutional freedoms and international democratic standards.
Legal Action Looms as Law Firm Issues Ultimatum
In a related development, Festus Ogun Legal (FOLEGAL), a constitutional law firm, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Okpebholo to withdraw his alleged threats and issue a public apology to Peter Obi and Nigerians at large.
In a letter dated July 21, 2025, signed by the firm’s Managing Partner, Festus Ogun, FOLEGAL described the governor’s alleged remarks as a clear breach of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 41, which guarantees every citizen’s right to freedom of movement.
The firm also cited a Court of Appeal ruling that reaffirms that no Nigerian governor has legal authority to restrict a citizen’s movement without lawful justification. It warned that failure to comply with the ultimatum could lead to legal action to protect and enforce Obi’s fundamental rights.
Growing Tensions Ahead of Political Activities
The development has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the increasing use of state power to intimidate opposition leaders. Analysts say the situation underscores the urgent need to uphold democratic principles, rule of law, and political tolerance ahead of future elections.
As of press time, Governor Okpebholo has not issued any official response to the allegations or the demands for an apology.
