Benin City, July 20, 2025 – The All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State Chapter, has responded to what it described as widespread misinterpretations and deliberate misrepresentations of remarks made by His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, at a political decamping event held on July 18, 2025.
In a statement signed by Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, the party clarified that the Governor never banned or discouraged the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, from visiting Edo State.
“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various interpretations and misrepresentations surrounding the remarks made by His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, on the 18th of July, 2025, at the political decamping event in Edo State,” the statement began.
“We consider it necessary to offer clarification, put the record straight, and address the unfortunate politicization of the Governor’s well-intentioned comments regarding the visit of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi.”
The party emphasized that Governor Okpebholo’s comments were rooted strictly in matters of protocol and security intelligence, consistent with his constitutional duty as Chief Security Officer of the state.
“Let it be stated unequivocally: Governor Okpebholo did not, at any point, issue a ban or discourage Mr. Peter Obi from visiting Edo State. Such a narrative is not only false but also a gross misrepresentation of the governor’s position and responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state,” the statement affirmed.
The APC pointed out that in a democracy, fundamental rights—including freedom of movement—are not absolute, particularly when public safety is involved.
“In every functional democracy, no right is absolute—not even the right to movement. As clearly enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, fundamental rights are subject to limitations, especially when public safety and security are at stake. This principle applies even more to high-profile visits that bear both political and security significance.”
The party recalled that during Mr. Obi’s previous visit to Edo State, certain security challenges had placed a strain on local enforcement agencies. While no blame was attributed to the former presidential candidate, the APC argued that proper communication could help avoid a recurrence.
“It is worth recalling that during Mr. Obi’s previous visit, there were notable security concerns, including a spike in incidents that strained the state’s apparatus. While no one attributed those issues directly to his person, the state must act proactively to avoid any repeat, and this begins with proper communication and security planning.”
The statement also clarified that such procedures are standard and have been applied to dignitaries from all political parties.
“This is not peculiar to Mr. Obi. Similar protocols have been observed with other visiting dignitaries across party lines. It is not political. It is procedural. Intelligence gathering, risk assessment, and proactive security deployment are routine elements of governance, particularly in a state like Edo with heightened political activity.”
Dismissing the allegations of political intimidation, the APC described any such interpretation of the Governor’s words as “misleading, unfortunate, and unnecessary.”
“His Excellency merely emphasized that in the interest of Mr. Obi’s safety—and by extension, public order—the state deserves to be formally informed of such visits, as is customary anywhere else in the country.”
The party concluded by reiterating the Governor’s commitment to peace, security, and democratic principles.
“The Governor remains committed to upholding democratic values, protecting all residents and visitors, and fostering a peaceful political climate in Edo State. We urge the public to disregard any divisive interpretation of his comments and focus on the facts: security first, politics second.”
Signed
Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie
State Publici
ty Secretary,
APC, Edo State Chapter
