COPDEM Students Slam Edo Governor Over Peter Obi Threat

DDM News

The Edo State Governor has come under intense fire following a controversial remark allegedly threatening the freedom of movement of former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

The statement, which suggested that Obi cannot enter Edo State without prior permission, has drawn widespread condemnation, especially from youth and civil society groups who view it as a direct attack on Nigeria’s democratic values.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the COPDEM Students Network, through its National President, Adamu Yusuf Gwary, issued a powerful response via social media, describing the governor’s position as dangerous, undemocratic, and unconstitutional.

In a statement released Tuesday, Gwary expressed deep concern over what he termed “a blatant abuse of power,” warning that such rhetoric threatens national unity and political stability.

He said any insinuation that a Nigerian citizen, regardless of their political affiliations, requires gubernatorial approval to travel within the country is not only unlawful but a clear drift toward tyranny.

“The rule of law, freedom of movement, and respect for dissenting voices are the very foundation of any democratic society,” Gwary said.

He noted that by attempting to restrict the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s access to Edo State, the governor was setting a dangerous precedent that could stoke political violence and deepen regional tensions.

The COPDEM Students Network, known for its youth-driven civic advocacy, emphasized that democracy must not be used as a tool for political intimidation or personal aggrandizement.

Rather, Gwary said, it is “a covenant with the people, built on mutual respect, dialogue, and constitutional rights.”

He further called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to resist all forms of authoritarianism and to stand firm in defending democratic values.

The group also urged security agencies and democratic institutions to take the governor’s comments seriously, warning that inflammatory statements from high-ranking officials could incite unrest.

“This country does not belong to a few political elites. It belongs to every Nigerian, north, south, east, and west,” the statement read.

COPDEM warned that no individual, including a governor, has the moral or legal authority to declare any part of the country off-limits to citizens.

In what many see as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democratic culture, Gwary and the COPDEM Network declared that the youth will not tolerate political bullying and will continue to hold elected leaders accountable.

The outrage follows a growing trend of intolerance in Nigeria’s political space, where opposition figures are increasingly targeted or undermined by those in power.

As tensions rise in Edo and beyond, observers warn that the governor’s words may set off unintended consequences, both politically and socially, if not retracted and addressed with maturity.

For now, the youth-led network insists: “Nigeria must stand united. Democracy must not be threatened by ego or dictatorship.”

#DemocracyMustStand
#UnityInDiversity
#NoToPoliticalIntimidation

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