Amanze ChinonyeThe International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) has condemned recent statements credited to the Governors of Benue and Edo States, barring Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, from visiting their states without express approval.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Centre described the remarks by Governors Hyacinth Alia and Monday Okpebholo, both members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as “unconstitutional and dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric threatens the country’s democratic foundations.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGovernor Alia was reported to have said that Obi would need “written permission” to visit internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue State. Similarly, Governor Okpebholo, during a televised appearance, declared that Obi “cannot come to Edo” and stated that he could not guarantee his safety in the state.
According to the IPCRC, such remarks undermine the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens as enshrined in Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement throughout the country.
“The remarks are not only unlawful but also set a dangerous precedent,” said Prince Chris Azor, President of the Centre. “No Nigerian should be required to seek permission to move freely or engage in peaceful political activities.”
The Centre warned that public statements of this nature, particularly when made by elected officials, risk inciting political tension and further eroding public confidence in governance.
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“Democracy is weakened when public officeholders use their platforms to intimidate opposition figures or curtail civil liberties,” Azor added. “Such comments encourage impunity and reduce the civic space available for democratic participation.”
IPCRC also raised concerns over the governors’ apparent reluctance to guarantee the safety of political figures visiting their states.
“A state’s inability or refusal to assure the safety of any citizen, regardless of political affiliation, is deeply troubling,” the Centre stated. “It reflects either a failure of governance or tacit approval of hostility.”
With the Anambra State governorship election approaching, the Centre urged all stakeholders to respect democratic norms and ensure a climate of peaceful and fair participation.
It further called on the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to disassociate itself from such remarks and reaffirm its collective commitment to upholding the rule of law.
The Nigerian Bar Association and civil society groups were also urged to speak out firmly against political intimidation.
“The rights of citizens are not negotiable,” the statement concluded. “Safeguarding democracy requires the consistent protection of constitutional freedoms and responsible conduct by those in public office.”
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