Edo attack: Nobody has monopoly of violence – Peter Obi
Former Governor Peter Obi Responds to Threats and Addresses Political Ambitions
By Vincent Ujumadu
Anambra’s former governor and 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, stated that no individual or group holds a monopoly on violence. He emphasized that his right to travel across the nation cannot be impeded by threats.
Obi’s comments followed an incident in Benin City, where he faced social media warnings against visiting specific regions. During a recent visit to Peter University in Achina, Anambra State, he asserted, “I am a Nigerian, and I am free to go to any part of this country. It is a constitutional right that nobody can take away from me.”
Despite being cautioned against traveling to Rivers State, Obi proceeded with plans to accept an invitation shortly after the Benin incident. He announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and alleged that efforts are being made to obstruct his candidacy. Nevertheless, he expressed determination to pursue his political goals.
“I’m not desperate to be the President of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” Obi said, critiquing the current state of the nation. He characterized Nigeria as “collapsed” due to greed among wealthy citizens and voiced his commitment to contesting the elections regardless of potential challenges.
Obi called for a fair electoral process, stating, “Let them declare a free and fair contest… and let us see what happens.” He criticized the nation’s systems that he believes disadvantage the poor, advocating for greater opportunity for all Nigerians.
In discussing his departure from the Labour Party, Obi cited ongoing leadership disputes and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) failure to recognize court rulings related to these disputes. “We had been in court over the leadership of the Labour Party and secured favorable judgments, but INEC refused to recognize them,” he explained.
He further noted that changes to party structures appeared to be aimed at undermining his political ambitions.
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