Edo Govt Dismisses Obi’s Attack Allegation, Insists No Supporters Were Targeted
From Osazua Imafidon, Benin
The Edo State Government has strongly denied allegations by former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials during recent activities in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government described the claim as false, malicious and a clear misrepresentation of facts. It stressed that neither Governor Monday Okpebholo nor any organ of the state government authorised or carried out attacks against members of any political party.
The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele, said the Okpebholo administration is not and will never be involved in attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.
According to the government, no directive was issued at any time by the governor or state officials to target supporters of the Labour Party or any other political group. It added that the allegation lacked credible evidence and appeared calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.
The statement recalled Governor Okpebholo’s earlier remarks concerning high profile political visits to Edo State, clarifying that such comments were made strictly in his capacity as Chief Security Officer of the state.
It explained that the governor’s position was guided by security considerations and public safety, not political hostility toward any individual or organisation.
The governor has consistently maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety, the statement noted.
The government described attempts to interpret the governor’s security advisory as intimidation or evidence of orchestrated attacks as unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated.
Providing further context, the statement referenced an incident that occurred on Monday, 23 February, involving a faction of the African Democratic Congress led by former Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie.
According to the government, the group was denied access to a meeting held at the residence of John Odigie Oyegun due to an internal party dispute. The situation, it said, was resolved after armed police officers were deployed to restore order.
The government argued that the incident underscored the role of security agencies in managing internal political disagreements, rather than supporting claims of state sponsored intimidation.
While accusing the ADC and, by extension, Peter Obi of attempting to cast aspersions on the administration, the state government maintained that it would not condone any form of violence and remained focused on its developmental agenda.
The Edo State Government therefore urged political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all residents and visitors to the state, while upholding the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful movement and association.
The statement concluded that the administration’s priority remains governance, public safety and economic development, not political persecution.
