The Edo State Government has rejected allegations by former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party figure, Mr. Peter Obi, that members of his political camp were attacked by government officials in the state, describing the claim as false, malicious and a distortion of facts.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the government said no directive was issued by the governor or any organ of the state to target members of any political party.
The statement maintained that the Okpebholo administration “is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation,” insisting that the allegation lacks credible evidence and appears designed to mislead the public and heighten political tension.
The government recalled that Governor Okpebholo had earlier clarified his position regarding high-profile political visits to the state, noting that his remarks were guided strictly by his constitutional responsibility as Chief Security Officer of Edo State and not by political hostility.
According to the statement, the governor had consistently advised that politically exposed persons notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to ensure adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.
The administration described attempts to interpret the governor’s security advisory as intimidation or orchestrated attacks as “unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated.”
Providing context to recent events, the government stated that on Monday, February 23, a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie, was reportedly shut out of a meeting at the residence of former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, due to an internal party crisis. The situation, it said, was resolved after armed police officers were deployed to restore order.
The state government alleged that efforts were being made to cast aspersions on the administration’s activities, adding that it would not condone violence in any form.
It urged political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding residents and visitors while upholding constitutional rights to lawful movement and association.
The statement emphasized that the government’s priority remains governance, public safety and economic development, not political persecution.
