The Edo State Government has rejected allegations by former Anambra State governor and prominent Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in Edo.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the government described the allegation as “false, malicious and a clear misrepresentation of the facts.”
The statement maintained that the Okpebholo administration “is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation,” stressing that no directive was issued by the governor or any organ of government to target members of any political party.
According to the government, the allegations lack credible evidence and appear designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.
The statement recalled Governor Okpebholo’s earlier position on high-profile political visits to the state, noting that his comments were guided strictly by his responsibility as Chief Security Officer of Edo State and not by political hostility. It reiterated that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to ensure adequate security coordination.
The government further described attempts to portray the governor’s security advisory as intimidation or orchestrated attacks as “unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated.”
Citing a recent incident, the statement alleged that a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, was shut out of a meeting at the residence of former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, due to internal party disagreements. The situation, it said, was later brought under control following the intervention of armed police officers.
The Edo State Government accused the ADC and Peter Obi of attempting to cast aspersions on the administration, insisting that it remains focused on governance, public safety and economic development rather than political persecution.
It urged political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all residents and visitors in the state.
