The Leadership & Accountability Initiative, has submitted a petition to the United States Embassy in Abuja, calling for a visa ban on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his family over what it described as “state-sanctioned threats” against former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi.
In the petition, dated Monday, the group accused Governor Okpebholo of threatening Obi’s safety and freedom of movement following comments allegedly made on Friday, July 18, 2025.
According to the group, Governor Okpebholo had warned that Peter Obi should not step into Edo State for any reason, saying, “whatever he sees, he should take”—a remark the group interpreted as a direct threat to Obi’s life and security.
The petition described the statement as a grave attack on the right to free movement and political participation, especially targeting a leading opposition figure. It called the incident a clear example of state-sponsored intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous erosion of Nigeria’s democratic values.
The group stressed that the incident was not isolated, citing a recent case where another state governor allegedly barred Obi from entering a neighbouring state on political grounds.
According to the petitioners, this emerging pattern poses a serious threat to multiparty democracy in Nigeria and undermines constitutional freedoms. They condemned the use of state authority to suppress dissent and intimidate political opponents, labelling it a breach of both human rights and democratic norms.
The group urged the U.S. government to consider imposing travel restrictions and diplomatic sanctions on Governor Okpebholo and his immediate family, saying such measures would serve as a deterrent to further political repression in the country.
The statement read, “We write as concerned stakeholders in the protection and promotion of democratic values, civil liberties, and political tolerance within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to bring to your urgent attention a grave threat to democratic stability and political coexistence issued by the sitting Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures and former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
“On or about Friday, the 18th of July, 2025, Governor Okpebholo openly threatened Mr. Obi against visiting Edo State for any reason whatsoever, warning ominously that “whatever he sees, he should take.” This direct threat to the life, freedom of movement, and political participation of a Nigerian citizen-more so a leading opposition figure-amounts to state-sanctioned intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous assault on the democratic space.
“We recall that just weeks prior, another sitting governor in a neighboring state reportedly denied Mr. Obi entry into the state on similar political grounds. This disturbing pattern indicates an orchestrated attempt to isolate, silence, and possibly endanger the life of Mr. Obi, and by extension, undermine multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
“Reasons for International Sanction:Violation of Democratic Norms: Threatening political opponents with violence or obstruction violates the tenets of democracy and the rule of law.
“Abuse of State Power: The governor is using state resources and influence to repress opposition and discourage dissent,” they added.
The letter stated, “With respect, threatening Mr. Peter Obi not to visit Edo State without security clearance from your office is certainly not supported by law. Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides that every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.
“Similarly, the Court of Appeal in Faith Okafor v Lagos State Government (2016) LPELR-41066 (CA) made it very clear that a Governor lacks the right or power to restrict the freedom of movement of any person without recourse to law.”
“It is, in fact, a gross violation of Mr. Peter Obi’s constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of movement,” the firm insisted.
“Considering the foregoing, we hereby respectfully request that you retract the unconstitutional threats and tender a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and the good people of Nigeria,” the letter read.
“We are confident that this modest request will be met within seven days of receipt of this letter. In the unlikely event that our request is not met within the timeframe, we may be compelled to institute a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit against you, in the interest of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law.”
“We trust that you are properly advised and would act accordingly,” the letter added.
