APC Supporter Seeks Peter Obi’s Arrest Over Edo Visit, Makes Threatening Remarks Ahead of Rivers Engagement

A supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Tom Steve, has called for the arrest and interrogation of Peter Obi following the former Anambra State governor’s recent visit to Edo State.

Steve made the demand in a series of posts on his verified X account, @stevetom788, after reports of an alleged attack during Obi’s trip. He claimed Obi had been warned not to enter the state without prior clearance and described the visit as a deliberate breach of a security directive.

According to Steve, he had formally asked the Edo State Government to forward a petition to the Inspector General of Police seeking Obi’s arrest and questioning. He argued that a directive issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo — requiring Obi to notify the state before visiting — was lawful and binding.

Steve said disregarding the instruction amounted to a challenge to constituted authority and warned that violations would attract consequences under the law.

In an earlier post, he reacted to the reported incident in Edo with remarks widely condemned as inflammatory. He suggested Obi was fortunate to have escaped unharmed and referred to a possible visit to Rivers State in language interpreted by critics as a death threat.

The comments drew sharp criticism from opposition supporters, who accused Steve of incitement and reckless rhetoric.

Beyond the security dispute, Steve criticised Obi’s political record, alleging a pattern of shifting allegiances during internal party crises. He contrasted Obi’s approach with that of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he praised for remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party during periods of internal conflict.

He ended his posts with messages of support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nigeria, while asserting that Obi would not become president.

Background

The dispute follows earlier remarks by Governor Okpebholo warning that Obi’s security could not be assured if he entered Edo without informing the state government.

Those comments had previously attracted criticism from civil society groups and opposition figures, who cited constitutional provisions on freedom of movement and political participation.

Obi, a former presidential candidate and leading opposition figure, has continued political engagements across the country despite the controversy.