The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has condemned Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s warning to 2027 presidential aspirant Peter Obi as a “veiled death threat” and an assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles. The governor had cautioned Obi against entering Edo State without prior notification and approval, threatening that Obi’s safety would not be guaranteed and that he would “have himself to blame” if anything happened to him.

The warning, issued during an event on Friday, marks the second instance of an All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state cautioning Obi, following a similar directive from Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia. Okpebholo linked Obi’s recent visit to Benin City, where he donated ₦15 million to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences, to unrest in the state capital that reportedly led to fatalities.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP described the governor’s remarks as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ freedom of movement. “Okpebholo’s recorded remarks, warning Obi not to ‘dare’ enter Edo State without his permission and stating that his security ‘is not guaranteed,’ constitute a veiled death threat against a law-abiding citizen exercising his constitutional rights,” the statement read.

CUPP criticized the governor’s stance as an “unacceptable display of thuggery” and called on political leaders, civil society organizations, and activists to denounce the threat. The coalition questioned why a governor would “fear acts of charity,” noting that Obi’s visits have focused on supporting hospitals, schools, nurses, and internally displaced persons across Nigeria.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s threat against Peter Obi is a disgraceful act that strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s democracy,” CUPP stated. “It reflects a dangerous arrogance that has no place in governance.” The coalition urged Nigerians to defend constitutional protections and demand accountability, emphasizing that “the rule of law must prevail.”

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with CUPP calling it a “wake-up call” for citizens to safeguard their rights and ensure that no leader, regardless of position, can trample on democratic freedoms.