Tenebe insists his remarks are protected by Nigeria’s constitution.
Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, has stirred public outrage after declaring, “I hate Peter Obi,” during a live TV interview, insisting he is fully within his rights to express such a view.
The controversial statement follows remarks by Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who said Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Obi, must seek clearance before entering the state.
Speaking at a press conference, Tenebe said, “The governor can say that because of the kind of hatred people have for Peter Obi in the state, including me… people died when he came.”
In an interview on TVC, Tenebe added, “I do not like Peter Obi; I hate him. I have the right to like or hate… I am an extremist. I don’t stay in the middle.”
He defended his comments by invoking constitutional protections. “The constitution does not say ‘Don’t hate somebody’. I can express how I feel,” he said.
His remarks have drawn criticism for inflaming political tensions and deepening divides ahead of the 2027 elections.