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,” read a copy of the July 21 petition, “Petition for visa ban on Senator Monday Okpebholo and his family over threats to democratic opposition figure,” sent to the U.S. and UK embassies. Mr. Okpebholo had cautioned Mr. Obi against going to Edo, stating that doing so would put his safety in jeopardy.

“He should take whatever he sees,” the governor of Edo advised Mr. Obi. According to the group’s petition, “This direct threat to the life, freedom of movement, and political participation of a Nigerian citizen, more specifically a prominent opposition figure, amounts to state-sanctioned intimidation, abuse of office, and a dangerous assault on the democratic space.” “Just weeks prior, another sitting governor in a neighbouring state reportedly denied Mr. Obi entry into the state on similar political grounds,” the appeal said, referring to Governor Hyacinth Alia’s caution against Mr. Obi travelling to Benue without authorisation.

It went on to say, “This troubling pattern suggests a deliberate attempt to silence, isolate, and potentially jeopardise Mr. Obi’s life, and consequently, undermine multiparty democracy in Nigeria.” The Nigerian Constitution is violated by Mr. Okphebolo’s statement, which has been extensively denounced. Rights activist Femi Falana advised Mr. Obi to sue the governor of Edo if he doesn’t retract the threat and provide an apology. Mr. Okpebholo has since reaffirmed his claim that the growing insecurity in Edo was the reason behind it, pointing to Mr. Obi’s 2013 arrest of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.