By Obah Sylva
Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe has sparked fresh controversy after saying opposition figures Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar should notify Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting the state, citing security considerations around their movements.
In a video circulating on X on October 4, 2026, Tenebe described Obi and Atiku as “highly political people” and said informing the governor would allow security arrangements to be assessed and the visit’s feasibility determined.
Key Highlights
- Jarrett Tenebe said Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar should notify Governor Monday Okpebholo before visiting Edo.
- Tenebe cited security considerations and the politicians’ public profiles.
- The remarks have prompted debate about political access and campaign activities in the state.
- Tenebe has previously made similar comments about Peter Obi’s visits.
- The APC chairman recently drew criticism for an “AK-47 fire” remark about the party’s vote target; HURIWA called for a DSS investigation.
- The latest video does not establish that Okpebholo personally issued a new directive on visits.
Jarrett Tenebe Speaks on Obi and Atiku’s Visits
In the video circulating online, Tenebe said Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar should notify Governor Okpebholo before travelling to Edo State. He described the opposition politicians as “highly political people” and said informing the governor would allow the state to assess security arrangements and determine whether the visit could proceed.
The remarks have generated debate over whether political figures should be expected to notify state authorities before undertaking political activities. The video, as described in the material reviewed, does not establish whether the governor personally issued a new directive requiring Obi or Atiku to notify him.
Tenebe Previously Made Similar Comments About Peter Obi
The latest comments are not the first time Tenebe has spoken publicly about Peter Obi’s visits to Edo. In July 2025, Tenebe backed a position attributed to Governor Okpebholo that Obi should notify or seek security clearance before visiting the state. The Edo State Government said they concerned security protocols for high-profile political figures and maintained that Edo remained open to Nigerians.
The renewed comments have revived an earlier debate about political access, security protocols and the rights of opposition politicians to campaign and conduct political activities across states.
Tenebe’s Recent “AK-47 Fire” Controversy
The latest development comes days after Tenebe attracted national attention over another controversial statement. While addressing APC supporters in Edo, he referred to “AK-47 fire” while discussing the party’s ambition to secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Tenebe was speaking about people he said could attempt to obstruct the APC’s efforts to achieve its vote target. The remarks generated criticism from opposition figures and civil-society groups. HURIWA called on the Department of State Services to invite and investigate the APC chairman over the context and possible implications of the statement.
HURIWA said political competition should not involve language that could be interpreted as threatening citizens or political opponents with firearms.
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Social Media Reacts to Obi, Atiku Statement
The latest video has generated reactions on X, with several users questioning whether a governor or state political party chairman can determine whether opposition politicians may enter the state for political activities.
Some commenters argued that Peter Obi and Atiku should be able to visit Edo without seeking political permission, while others focused on Tenebe’s security explanation. These reactions are individual social-media opinions and should not be treated as evidence of an official legal position.
Edo Politics Heats Up Ahead of 2027
The controversy comes as political parties intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC leadership in Edo has publicly discussed an ambitious target of 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu. Tenebe has argued that the party can work towards achieving the target through stronger grassroots mobilisation.
Opposition parties and politicians continue to build their own structures and engage supporters across the country. Statements concerning the movement of opposition politicians are likely to attract attention, particularly when they involve prominent figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
No Fresh Official Response From Obi or Atiku
At the time of publication, no widely reported statement from Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar directly responding to Tenebe’s latest remarks had emerged from the material reviewed.
Likewise, the latest video did not establish whether Governor Okpebholo personally issued a new directive requiring Obi and Atiku to notify him before visiting Edo. The controversy remains centred on Tenebe’s public comments and the interpretation of the security arrangements he described.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of 2027, further clarification from the Edo State Government or the politicians involved could determine whether the issue develops beyond the current social-media debate. Follow us on X for more updates.
