The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind Edo State Governor, Monday Okpehbolo, over his comments directed at the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Speaking at the inauguration of the New Edo Line Transport Service in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Tuesday, Wike advised Nigerian politicians to avoid politicising security and governance issues.

Recall that Okpebholo, while addressing supporters at a rally in Benin City on Friday, warned Obi to obtain security clearance before visiting the state.

Okpebholo 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 at least four people.

READ ALSO:‘If Obi Likes, He Should Take My Advice,’ Okpebholo Insist On Security Clearance

“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.

Wike said Okpehbolo was right to insist on prior notice from visiting political figures for security reasons, adding that the governor’s stance was in the best interest of public safety.

The ex-Governor of Rivers State said, “All I am saying is, if you are coming, tell me because I am here to protect you.

“You didn’t say, ‘Don’t come.’ But people play politics. They give people money to go on television and twist facts.”

Wike warned that in a politically charged atmosphere, mischief makers could exploit situations to cause harm and blame innocent leaders.

READ ALSO:‘His Security Is Not Guaranteed,’ Okpehbolo Warns Obi Not To Come To Edo Without Informing Him

“Some people can harm anybody and then accuse the governor of being responsible because he knows a coalition member is coming. So governor, you are right,” he said.

Wike also took aim at what he described as “political theatrics” by the former Anambra governor, criticising the trend of publicity stunts to sway public opinion.

“This is not where a presidential candidate will be carrying food to serve. And Nigerians will say, ‘Oh, humble.’ Who told you that is humility? When he was governor, was he serving food? No!” he queried.

Wike further dismissed populist campaign promises by Obi, such as pledges to fly on commercial planes if elected president, describing them as deceitful.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Must Apologise For Threatening Peter Obi – Rights Group

“You think he’s telling you the truth? Nigerians, you like people who play you. You don’t like those who tell you the simple truth,” he added.

Encouraging Okpehbolo to remain resolute, Wike said criticism is inevitable for leaders who take bold decisions.

“If they don’t talk about you, then you are not a governor. Every day I wake up, and nothing is said about me, I say something is wrong. So, don’t put yourself down. Stand firm in any decision you have taken,” he advised.

The minister stated that the ultimate measure of leadership is grassroots backing.

“What is important is, do you have the support of your people? Yes. Once you have that, go ahead,” Wike said.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Tuesday, insisted that the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, should inform him of his visit to the state, noting that the statement is not a threat but advice.

The governor stated this at the commissioning of the New Edo Line Transport Company in Benin.

Recall that Okpebholo’s July 18 statement urged Obi to get security clearance before coming to the state.

The governor had said that Obi’s visit to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences on June 7, where he donated N15 million for the completion of projects in the school, coincided with the resurgence of violence and the killing of three persons.

The governor said, “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Must Apologise For Threatening Peter Obi – Rights Group

“For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.

“His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and this will not be tolerated.”

However, in a statement on Sunday by the governor’s CPS, Fred Itua, he said that Okpebholo’s statement was given various misinterpretations.

Re-echoing his aide’s statement, the governor said his job was not only to work for the Edo people, but to provide security for the people and visitors to the state.

READ ALSO: ‘His Security Is Not Guaranteed,’ Okpehbolo Warns Obi Not To Come To Edo Without Informing Him

He said, “I am not supposed to talk much due to the rain. Even when they said I could talk, but just one sentence, everyone was crying.

“What I said was simply advice, don’t come to Edo without telling me.

“When I was saying it, was I chewing hot yam? Do I need one plus three to make my sentence? Do I need to read an encyclopedia before people can understand what I am saying?

“My job is not only to work for Edo people, but my job is to save the lives of Edo citizens and visitors coming into Edo.

” If telling him (Peter Obi) to notify me of his coming as the chief security officer of the state is a crime, so be it.

READ ALSO: Anambra Revenue Service Faults Obi’s Claim On Brewery’s Tax Ranking

“I have no regrets about what I have said, and I repeat it: before you come into Edo State, notify me. It is not a threat.

“I went through this sameprocess. I was advised when I came to the airport before the election by the then Commissioner of Police to remain at the airport.

“I ignored the advice and went out. My police escort was shot dead before my eyes.

“I have advised the former Governor of Anambra State, if he likes, let him take it; if he likes, let him dwell on social media; it does not concern me.

“I had a security report and advised the former governor of Anambra state to inform me whenever he is coming to Edo State.

“If he likes, let him take my advice”, Okpebholo said.

A pressure group known as All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Ambassadors has called on President Bola Tinubu and other leaders of the party to make former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umaru Al-Makura the next national Chairman of the party.

The group call is coming even as the APC prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting this week, precisely July 24, 2025.

The Deputy Chairman, South of the group, Dominic Odigo commended the president for the recent appointment of Al-Makura as the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

READ ALSO: Oyegun Blames APC For Hunger Starvation, Oyegun Gets ADC Party’s Card

A joint statement by Odigo, the group’s National Chairman, Engr Kabiru Abdulhamid, National Women Leader, Hon. Salma Musa and the South-South Women Leader, Hon. Rita Embiowei read that “Sen Umaru Tanko Al-Makura distinguished himself when he was the governor of Nasarawa state and then a senator.

“He is a tested and loyal party man who we think is the best man the party needs right now.

“It is also fair for the party to ensure that every region is carried along and to remember that the party had already zoned the chairmanship of the party to North Central which produced Sen Abdulahi Adamu before he resigned.

READ ALSO: Oyegun Blames APC For Hunger Starvation, Oyegun Gets ADC Party’s Card

“We believe that APC as a party of progressives with the welfare of the people and the socio-economic development of Nigeria its focus, it is only proper that the party brings its best hands forward.

“We believe that Al-Makura as a man with the people at heart, his leadership of the party would help drive the Renewed Hope Agena of the president.

“The drumbeats for the 2027 general elections are already by the corner and the party needs somebody who would lead it to victory, we strongly believe that Senator Al-Makura fits this bill because his relationship with the people and influenced cuts across the six geo-political zones of the country.”