The Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has accused Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi of visiting a school in Edo State with alleged thugs, claiming that a fight broke out and resulted in someone’s death.
Okpebholo made the allegation during an interview with Symphony Television, where he revisited Obi’s previous visit to the state and explained why he had earlier raised concerns about the former Anambra State governor’s security.
According to the governor, Obi visited the school to make a donation but allegedly left some members of his entourage dissatisfied, triggering a disagreement over money that later escalated into a fight.
“He went there with thugs. And by the time he was leaving, he did not settle them. He gave money to just one person, and they started fighting. Somebody died. Somebody died. He knows. Ask him.
“I want to protect him. Even when he’s coming tomorrow and he called me to say, ‘I am coming to your state. I want to come and campaign.’ Oya, come and campaign. I will give you security. Don’t take thugs,” he stated.
Okpebholo said he was prepared to provide security for Obi whenever he visited Edo State but advised him against travelling with people he described as thugs.
The allegation concerns Obi’s visit on July 7, 2025, to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences in Benin City, where he donated ₦15 million towards the completion of school projects.
Okpebholo had previously linked the visit to subsequent violence in Benin City. Obi, however, maintained that his visit was intended to support the development of education and healthcare in the state.