Political tension is mounting in Edo State following a controversial demand by the State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, that Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar must obtain Governor Monday Okpebholo’s permission before visiting the state.
Tenebe reportedly warned the two opposition figures against entering Edo without the governor’s approval, sparking a sharp response from Mama Pee, who accused the APC chairman of attempting to undermine the freedom of the people.
Reacting to the demand, Mama Pee declared that Edo people could not be treated as slaves, insisting that Tenebe lacked the authority to dictate who could visit the State.
“You cannot turn Edo people into slaves. You are too small for Edo people,” she said.
The controversy comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election gather momentum, with opposition figures expected to intensify consultations and engagements across the country.
Tenebe’s comments have also drawn attention against the backdrop of the recent disruption of Peter Obi’s visit to Benue State, where youths reportedly blocked his convoy along the Makurdi–Gboko Road, forcing him to turn back while heading to Yelewata.
The Benue State Government subsequently denied involvement in the incident.
While Tenebe insists that Obi and Atiku should obtain Governor Okpebholo’s approval before visiting Edo, Mama Pee’s response underscores the resistance to any perceived attempt to restrict the political activities of opposition figures in the State.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the controversy adds another dimension to the growing political rivalry between the APC and opposition forces.
