Human rights organisation, Global Rights, has demanded a public apology from the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, following what it described as an inciteful and unconstitutional statement directed at former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

The group also called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and the Nigeria Governors? Forum to publicly condemn Okpebholo?s remarks, and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should investigate the matter.

?Governor Monday Okpebholo must issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and his supporters and withdraw his unconstitutional and inflammatory statement. The governor?s political party and the Nigerian Governors? Forum should publicly condemn his remarks and call on him to apologise. The dignity of public office demands accountability, not silence.

?The Independent National Electoral Commission must launch a fair and transparent investigation into this matter. This is supported by Section 92(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits political speech that incites violence or injury to ethnic, religious or regional sentiments,? the group stated in a statement by its Executive Director, Abiodun Baiyewu, on Monday.

Baiyewu noted that the governor?s remarks came at a delicate national moment, as the country mourned the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

?On Friday, July 18, 2025, Governor Okpebholo publicly declared that Mr. Obi must obtain ?clearance? from him before stepping into Edo State. This claim is not only legally absurd but also capable of inciting violence and is unbecoming of a political figure whose behaviour should be above board.

?At a time when the country is reflecting on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and leaders should be contemplating the legacy they will leave behind, the Governor?s words stand out as an example of poor judgment and disregard for democratic norms,? he stated.

Global Rights reminded the governor that the Nigerian Constitution guaranteed the freedom of movement for every citizen.

?Let us be clear. No Governor in Nigeria has the constitutional authority to restrict the movement of a Nigerian citizen within the country. Mr. Obi, like any Nigerian, is protected by Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees the right to move freely throughout Nigeria and reside in any part thereof,? the statement read.

The group also pointed out that the governor?s statement carried ?a veiled threat of violence,? stressing that ?if any harm were to come to Mr. Obi or his supporters, the source of the threat would be clear.?

Baiyewu said while the governor made the remarks during a partisan event, ?Such statements must never be excused. Leaders must be careful with their words at all times because careless speech can incite violence, and in a fragile democracy like Nigeria, it can cause real harm.?

Global Rights criticised the silence of influential voices and stakeholders, warning against placing ?partisan loyalty over principle.?

?Nigeria?s democracy cannot thrive without respect for fundamental freedoms. And every leader must rise to that responsibility,? the statement concluded. (The PUNCH)

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