By Damilola Olufemi and Fatimah Idera
A recent statement by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, warning Peter Obi not to enter the state without obtaining prior security clearance, has sparked controversy and debate.
Renowned lawyer, Prof. Afe Babalola and political analyst Abdulateef Ahmad have weighed in on the issue, describing the governor’s demand as ‘null and void’ and ‘politically tone-deaf.’
Constitutional rights under threat
Prof Babalola emphasised that the statement is not only illegal but also unconstitutional, as it contravenes sections 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee every citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of assembly and movement.
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“Such a statement is not worth more than the breeze that blew it out of his mouth as it is null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” Prof Babalola said.
Ahmad echoed this sentiment, stating that there is no statute in Nigeria’s constitution that mandates a citizen to obtain permission before entering any part of the country.
Democratic backsliding
Ahmad warned that the governor’s statement is part of a larger trend of coordinated hostility towards Obi and his supporters, which he described as “democratic backsliding.”
“These gestures, whether subtle or blunt, only signal a shrinking civic space. They suggest that liberty is now conditional and that the powers that be are increasingly allergic to dissent or even symbolic gatherings,” Ahmad said.
Potential consequences
The analyst noted that such statements could have significant effects the state and Nigeria at large, potentially fueling partisan tensions and breeding resentment.
READ ALSO: Falana urges Obi to seek court protection over Edo governor’s death threat
“2027 might just be the year when many voters say, ‘Enough.’ At the national level, it damages the image of political tolerance that democracy demands,” Ahmad said.
