Reactions have continued to trail the arrival of the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Benin City, Edo State, despite an earlier warning issued by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Okpebholo had, on July 18, 2025, warned Obi against visiting the state without prior notification and official security clearance.

The warning had generated criticism from some Nigerians, who argued that Obi, as a Nigerian citizen and former governor of Anambra State, had the right to visit any part of the country.

Obi, however, visited Benin City on Wednesday to join Catholic faithful, clergymen and other dignitaries at the service of songs and other funeral activities organised in honour of the late Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze.

A video circulating on social media showed a large crowd of residents and supporters lining the streets as Obi’s convoy made its way towards the Holy Cross Cathedral.

The development has sparked fresh reactions, particularly on social media, with some commentators questioning whether the governor would respond to Obi’s presence in the state.

Popular television host, Rufai Oseni, in a post on X, wrote: “Dear Okpebholo, Obi is in Edo oooo.”

Another social media commentator, Benkingsley Nwashara, said Obi’s arrival was not publicly announced as a political event, yet residents reportedly gathered in large numbers after hearing that he was in Benin.

He wrote that Edo youths “left their homes at night, gathered in large numbers, and turned up to welcome and celebrate him,” adding that there was no campaign announcement or mobilisation.

Similarly, social media influencer Manju Vic said Obi had visited Benin despite the governor’s earlier warning and was received by a large crowd.

An X user, Freeman (@freeman_stv), also described the reception as enthusiastic, saying many residents gathered around Obi to take photographs and get close to him.

According to him, the size of the crowd reportedly made it difficult for Obi to enter the venue immediately.

The development has since intensified discussions about Obi’s popularity in Edo State, the governor’s earlier security warning and the political significance of the massive reception accorded the former Anambra governor.