On July 7, 2025, Mr. Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra state and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, visited Benin City, the capital of Edo State. The visit which was widely anticipated by his followers and members of the Labour Party in the state, was said to be his private engagement with party stakeholders and supporters. But, shortly after his departure, the Edo state government alleged that Obi’s presence in the state had triggered a stampede that led to the death of three people. The government further stated that Mr. Obi would, in the future, need to seek security clearance before visiting the state again, citing concerns over public safety.
These claims sparked an immediate backlash from legal experts, civil society groups, political organizations, and the general public. Observers quickly noted that there was no independent confirmation of any such stampede or related fatalities. No media house present during the visit reported any chaos or injuries. No hospital in Benin confirmed receiving victims of a stampede, and no identities of the supposed deceased were released by the government. This lack of verifiable evidence raised serious questions about the authenticity of the allegations.
Prominent legal practitioners like Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Femi Falana and Kunle Edun, condemned the statement made by the governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his aides. They argued that the governor’s comments infringed on Obi’s constitutional right to freedom of movement as guaranteed under Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Falana described the demand for security clearance as unconstitutional and reminiscent of authoritarian governance. He warned that should anything happen to Peter Obi, the responsibility would lie squarely with the state government. In a statement made shortly after the governor’s comments went viral, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) called the pronouncement a veiled threat to Obi’s life. The group described the governor’s remarks as undemocratic and a gross abuse of office. Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) issued a strongly worded statement condemning the alleged travel restriction and reaffirming that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, has the right to travel freely within the country.
Benin City
The Labour Party also issued a formal response, emphasizing that Peter Obi’s visit was peaceful and widely welcomed by the people of Edo State. They described the accusations of a fatal stampede as politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish the image of a man who has consistently advocated for transparency, good governance, and the rule of law. Members of the Obidient Movement took to social media, demanding that the Edo State government provide concrete evidence to support their claims or retract the statement and issue a public apology.
Public commentary was equally scathing. Across such platforms as Twitter, Facebook, and Nairaland, Nigerians expressed disbelief at the government’s narrative. Many questioned the sudden emergence of a “stampede” after Obi’s visit had already concluded without an incident. Users pointed out that if lives had indeed been lost, families would have come forward, hospitals would have confirmed casualties, and media outlets would have reported the tragedy. Instead, what followed the visit was widespread praise for Obi and no indication of any disruption or emergency.
Some commentators accused the Edo State government of weaponizing fear and misinformation to suppress opposition voices. Others criticized what they saw as a trend of state governments using the excuse of security to curtail democratic engagement. The governor’s remarks, many argued, set a dangerous precedent in which political opponents can be arbitrarily restricted under vague and unsubstantiated allegations.
Eyewitness accounts from attendees at the event further contradicted the government’s version of events. Several people who were present during Peter Obi’s visit described the atmosphere as celebratory and orderly. Videos and photographs circulated online showed crowds cheering, taking selfies, and listening to Obi speak without any signs of panic or unrest. The visuals offered a stark contrast to the government’s claims, reinforcing the argument that the stampede narrative was a fabrication. In the absence of any medical reports, police investigations, or official documentation, the claim that three individuals died during Peter Obi’s visit lacks credibility. No known civil society group or human rights organization has corroborated the state government’s statement. The lack of transparency and detail in the allegation suggests either gross negligence or an intentional attempt to mislead the public.
Critics argue that rather than focus on governance and development, the Edo State government chose to generate controversy where none existed. The call for Obi to seek security clearance is not only unconstitutional but also a form of political intimidation. If allowed to stand, it could pave the way for similar tactics across other states, thereby weakening the country’s democratic institutions.
Peter Obi, for his part, has not made any incendiary response to the allegations. Known for his calm demeanour and focus on issue-based politics, Obi has continued his engagements across the country without fear or retreat. His approach has been to let the facts speak for themselves, a strategy that has earned him further respect among his supporters and political observers.
The public backlash against the Edo State government has been intense and sustained. Calls for a retraction and public apology have grown louder, with many demanding that the government be held accountable for spreading what they describe as a dangerous lie. Legal experts have suggested that Obi could file a case in the Federal High Court to defend his fundamental rights and clear his name officially.
Ultimately, the situation in Edo State reflects a broader tension within Nigeria’s political landscape. As political figures navigate the complex terrain of 2025 and beyond, there is a growing need for accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights. Attempts to silence opposition voices or smear reputations through unverified claims must be resisted by all who believe in the rule of law.
Peter Obi committed no offence by visiting Edo State. On the contrary, he exercised a fundamental right guaranteed to every Nigerian. Until credible evidence is presented to the public, the allegations of a deadly stampede remain what they appear to be: a politically motivated fiction. Nigerians must do better than allow such narratives to fester. For democracy to thrive, truth must remain sacred and justice must not be manipulated for political interests.
