More angry reactions are trailing the ban placed on Mr Peter Obi from entering Edo State.
NATIONAL POST had reported that Edo State governor, at a public function on Friday, banned Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election from coming to the state without express approval from him.
He said Obi should take whatever he sees if he flouts the order.
Many Nigerians, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo have been reacting to the threat, with the apex Igbo group urging the United States and the United Kingdom to place a visa ban on the governor.
In its own reaction, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the governor’s remarks as “disgraceful and undemocratic.”
ADC reacted through a post on Saturday via X, by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
He stated that Obi, as a Nigerian citizen, does not require the governor’s permission to visit any part of the country, including Edo State.
“Edo State is a Nigerian state. Obi is a free citizen and does not need the governor’s clearance to visit Nigerians in their own country,” Abdullahi said.
He further criticised Governor Okpebolo’s reaction to Obi’s visit and donations in the state, describing it as a sign of insecurity.
“When a governor panics over courtesy visits and modest donations, it is a clear sign that something is deeply wrong somewhere,” he added.
The ADC spokesman said true leaders who have served their people well would not be troubled by others receiving public applause. He suggested that the support shown to Obi may serve as a reminder to the governor of the leadership qualities people expect.
Similarly, the Obidient Movement said Governor Okpebholo’s threat is a threat to national unity.
Nana Kazaure, the movement's Director Strategic Communications, said Okpebholo should be held responsible if anything happens to former Labour Party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
A statement he issued on Satuday reads: "The Obidient Movement has observed with deep concern a circulating video in which the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Monday Okpebholo, allegedly warns His Excellency Peter Obi never to set foot in Edo State again without preinforming him.
"For the avoidance of doubt, Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the right of every Nigerian citizen to move freely and reside in any part of the country.”
He described as disturbing and constitutionally indefensible for Governor Okpebholo to threaten or seek to restrict this fundamental right.
"Even more troubling is the pattern emerging from such dangerous utterances. This is not an isolated incident. We recall a similar threat previously issued by the Governor of Benue State against the person of His Excellency Mr. Obi.
"In both instances, Peter Obi was on missions of goodwill and charity-offering humanitarian support to citizens neglected by the very governors and government now issuing these threats.
"We wish to alert Nigerians and the international community that these threats should not be dismissed lightly. Should anything untoward happen to His Excellency Peter Obi, Nigerians should know where to look.
"These governors are the chief security officers of their respective states, and their utterances carry weight - not just in words, but in potential consequences.
"We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against this descent into political intolerance and recklessness. Nigeria belongs to all of us.
"No individual, no matter how highly placed, should attempt to fan the embers of division or incite violence with careless, unlawful rhetoric."
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, did not spare Okpenholo, as he described the remarks as irresponsible and unbecoming of a public office holder.
Effiong, while fuming over the development said: “A semi-literate governor is issuing silly threats to a politician publicly in the name of politics.”
He blamed the action on “allowing misfits and thuggish individuals to assume political positions”, stressing that it would always lead to disaster.
The human rights lawyer said the governor’s conduct was shameful and raised concerns about potential electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“They’re now saying clearly that they are preparing and planning for carnage and rigging in 2027,” he added.