The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has warned against threats to opposition leaders.

Atiku, in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, stated that any threat against Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is a threat to all opposition figures.

He wrote, “Let it be known that a threat against Peter Obi or any of us is a threat against all of us!”

The former vice president’s reaction followed comments by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who, while addressing supporters at a rally in Benin City last Friday, warned Obi to obtain security clearance before visiting the state.

“If Peter Obi wants to come here, he should seek proper security clearance. We cannot guarantee his safety otherwise if anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. I’m not joking,” he had said.

He further claimed that the last time Obi visited the state and made a donation of N15 million to a nursing school in the state, there was unrest in the state leading to the death of some people.

Amid backlash from many Nigerians and notable individuals, the governor insisted that his comments were misinterpreted, stressing that his call was a security protocol and not hostility toward the opposition leader.

The governor slammed the critics, adding that the statement should not be misconstrued as a threat.

In a statement on Sunday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said that his principal’s statement was given various misinterpretations.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Peter Obi to the state.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike.

“This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.

“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats,” the statement read.

Itua said the governor’s position was relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.

He noted that the state had witnessed its share of tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years.

He noted that public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.

He added, “The governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility…

“Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.

“Furthermore, the governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points.

“The state government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives.

“We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.” (The PUNCH)