2027: 'Peter Obi hired thugs, failed to settle them, somebody died' – Okpebholo

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has accused Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), of traveling with suspected thugs during a visit to a school in the state. According to Okpebholo, a disagreement over money that was donated led to a fight, resulting in the death of an individual. The governor stated that Obi had visited a specific school to donate money, but upon arrival, he did not adequately compensate those who accompanied him.

"He went to a particular school to donate money," Okpebholo explained. "So when he was going, he went there with thugs, and by the time he was leaving, he did not settle them. He gave just small money to one person, and they started fighting. Somebody died. Somebody died. He knows. Ask him. I want to protect him." Despite the allegations, Okpebholo offered to provide security for Obi if he decides to campaign in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He had previously advised Obi against bringing thugs into the state and assured him of adequate security during any political engagement. Obi, who ran for the presidency in 2023 on the Labour Party ticket, is among the opposition figures expected to play significant roles in the upcoming 2027 general elections.