Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, of travelling with suspected thugs during a visit to a school in the state, alleging that a disagreement over money led to a fight in which someone died.
Okpebholo made the allegation while fielding questions during an interview with Symfoni Media.
The governor claimed that Obi had visited a particular school to donate money but allegedly failed to adequately settle those who accompanied him.
According to Okpebholo, the disagreement over the money reportedly given to one of the individuals triggered a fight, resulting in the death of a person.
“He went to a particular school to donate money. 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,” the governor said.
Okpebholo, however, said he would provide security for Obi if the former Anambra State governor visited Edo State to campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said he had advised Obi against bringing thugs into the state, assuring him of adequate security during any political engagement.
“Even when he's coming tomorrow, and he called me to say, 'I am coming to your state. I want to come and campaign.'
“Come and campaign, but I will give you security. Don't take thugs,” Okpebholo added.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, is among the opposition figures expected to play significant roles in the 2027 general elections.
2027: 'Peter Obi hired thugs, failed to settle them, somebody died' – Okpebholo