Wike backs Edo Governor, says Obi should’ve sought security clearance

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come to the defence of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over his recent remarks requiring Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to obtain security clearance before visiting the state.

Governor Okpebholo had linked Obi’s recent visit to Edo to a security breach that allegedly resulted in the death of three individuals—an assertion that has since stirred political backlash and public debate.

Speaking during the commissioning of Edo Line in Benin City on Tuesday, Wike supported the governor’s position, drawing from his own experience with Obi during his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State.

He emphasized that ensuring proper security coordination for high-profile visits is not unusual and should not be politicized.

READ ALSO: Edo: Any threat against Peter Obi is a threat to all Nigerians – Atiku warns

“When Peter Obi was coming to my state, he notified me, and I provided vehicles and logistics for him,” Wike said.

The FCT minister said as a presidential candidate, any harm that comes to Obi would be blamed on the governor.

Wike said Okpebholo’s warning was not a ban on Obi’s visit but a call for cooperation to ensure security.

“If anything happens to Obi, they would accuse the governor that he was behind it. So, the statement you (Okpebh) made, you were quite right. You didn’t say, don’t come, all you’re saying is if you’re coming, tell me, because I’m here to protect you,” Wike said.

“People play to the gallery. This is not where a presidential candidate will be serving food. And you know this is a pretense. How long will you keep serving the food?”

Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, the former vice-president, has condemned the remarks by Okpebholo, saying any “threat” to Obi is a threat to the entire opposition.