Photo: Mr Peter Obi

By: Mandy Park

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Wednesday visited Benin City, Edo State, where he was received by a large crowd of supporters and residents despite an earlier warning by Governor Monday Okpebholo concerning his visit to the state.

Obi was in the Edo State capital to join Catholic faithful, clergymen, political figures and other dignitaries at the service of songs and other funeral activities held in honour of the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents and enthusiastic supporters lining the streets as Obi’s convoy moved towards the Holy Cross Cathedral.

The crowd, which reportedly gathered at night after news of Obi’s arrival spread, was seen chanting and waving in support of the former Anambra governor.

The development has renewed public debate over the warning issued by Governor Okpebholo in July 2025, when he cautioned Obi against visiting Edo State without prior notification and official security clearance.

The governor’s position at the time attracted criticism from some citizens and political commentators, who argued that Obi, as a Nigerian citizen and political leader, had the constitutional right to travel to any part of the country, subject to applicable laws and security regulations.

Obi’s latest visit, however, was not primarily political, as he was in Benin City to participate in activities connected with the burial of the late Archbishop Akubeze, a respected Catholic cleric who died after years of service to the Church and the faithful.

Despite the nature of the visit, the large crowd that welcomed Obi has generated considerable reactions online, particularly because the visit came against the backdrop of the governor’s earlier warning.

Popular television host Rufai Oseni reacted to the development in a post on X, writing: “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”

Social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara also claimed that the crowd was not mobilised for a political rally.

“Word quickly spread that Peter Obi was in town. Edo youths left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him. No campaign announcement. No mobilisation. They simply heard Peter Obi was around and showed up,” he wrote.

Another social media commentator, Manju Vic, also reacted to the development, referring to the governor’s earlier warning and Obi’s subsequent arrival in Benin City.

The scenes have since fuelled discussions about Obi’s popularity in Edo State and the wider South-South region, as well as the extent to which political figures can attract spontaneous public support outside formal campaign structures.

Obi, who emerged as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election before moving to the NDC, has remained an influential figure in Nigerian politics, particularly among young voters and supporters of his political movement.

The former governor has also been involved in a series of political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections, although his presence in Benin City on Wednesday was officially linked to the funeral activities for Archbishop Akubeze.

As reactions continue to trail the visit, attention is expected to remain focused on the relationship between political activities, citizens’ right to movement and the responsibilities of state authorities to provide security for visiting dignitaries.