Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The political atmosphere in Edo State was thrown into sharp relief on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, arrived in Benin City to attend the funeral rites of the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubeze. His visit, coming barely a year after Governor Monday Okpebholo issued a public warning that his security would not be guaranteed if he entered the state without prior clearance, triggered a spontaneous outpouring of public support that has once again underscored the opposition leader's enduring popularity and raised uncomfortable questions about the governor's political standing in his own state.
Governor Okpebholo had, on July 18, 2025, issued a stern directive instructing Obi not to enter Edo State without prior notification and official security clearance. The governor's decision sparked immediate backlash from concerned citizens, who argued that the former Anambra State governor, like any Nigerian citizen, possessed the constitutional right to travel freely across the country. Despite the warning, Obi on Wednesday joined Catholic faithful, clergymen and other dignitaries at the service of songs and other funeral activities honouring the late archbishop, who passed away on July 9, 2026. A viral video showed a large crowd of excited supporters welcoming Obi into the state, with hundreds of residents lining the streets at night as his convoy made its way towards the Holy Cross Cathedral. The dramatic show of support quickly dominated social media conversations, with many Nigerians questioning the silence of Governor Okpebholo following Obi's arrival.
Popular television host, Rufai Oseni, in a post on his official X handle, wrote, "Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo." Social media commentator Benkingsley Nwashara said Obi's arrival was unannounced, yet residents turned out in large numbers to welcome him. "Word quickly spread that 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 on X. Another influencer, Manju Vic, mocked the governor's warning in a post that read, "Hello Nigerians, D7 told Peter Obi not to set foot in Edo. Peter Obi went to Benin, walked through the streets, and hundreds of people came out to give him a triumphant entry." Similarly, an X user, Freeman (@freeman_stv), said the crowd was visibly excited to see Obi, with many residents gathering around him to take pictures. "The crowd was so excited to see him. Many people gathered around, taking pictures and trying to get close to him. It even took Peter Obi some time to enter the venue because of the huge crowd. This man is really loved," he wrote.
The massive crowd that welcomed Obi came amid the lingering political disagreement between the NDC candidate and Okpebholo, who had previously cautioned Obi against visiting Edo State without prior administrative notification and official security clearance. Footage circulating on social media showed thousands of residents lining the streets at night as Obi's convoy moved towards the Holy Cross Cathedral. The crowd surged around the convoy, with many residents raising their smartphones to record the moment, while security personnel struggled to manage the large gathering. The reception continued around the cathedral, with supporters and residents filling the surrounding streets and openly expressing their excitement at Obi's arrival. The large turnout effectively demonstrated that Okpebholo's earlier warning had failed to discourage residents from coming out to welcome the opposition presidential candidate.
The development has since reignited debate online, with some users questioning the governor's response to Obi's presence in the state. While Obi's visit was for a funeral-related event rather than a campaign, the reception he received has nevertheless renewed conversations about his popularity in Edo and revived the debate over Governor Okpebholo's earlier warning. The warning drew criticism from some residents and observers, who argued that Obi, a former governor and Nigerian citizen, had the right to visit any part of the country. The visit underscores the continued political relevance of Obi, whose popularity appears to transcend regional boundaries. His unannounced appearance triggered organic mobilisation that caught observers off guard, suggesting genuine grassroots enthusiasm rather than orchestrated political machinery.
As the dust settles on Wednesday's events, one thing is clear: Peter Obi's defiance of Governor Okpebholo's warning has not only exposed the limits of the governor's political authority but has also demonstrated that in Edo State, the people's loyalty may not always align with the dictates of the Government House. For Governor Okpebholo, the silence that followed Obi's triumphant entry may be more damning than any political attack, as it speaks to a popularity that cannot be commanded or controlled, only observed with growing unease.
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