NAPS orders Peter Obi to keep 10km distance from student communities

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has declared the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, *persona non grata* across all polytechnic campuses in Nigeria, warning him to stay at least 10 kilometres away from any student community.

The decision follows Obi’s recent comments about alleged violence during the Student Union Government (SUG) elections at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State.

Obi had claimed in a public statement that he watched a “heartbreaking” video showing students running for their lives as gunshots rang out—an incident he said left two students dead and several injured.

Describing Obi’s statement as “false and reckless,” NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, said no such violent incident occurred.

He criticized Obi for failing to verify the information before going public and for refusing to retract or apologize for the claims.

“This is not vengeance. It is a call for accountability,” Oghayan said. “Leadership cannot preach what it refuses to practice.”

The controversy was further amplified by reactions from Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who reportedly advised Obi against making further visits to the state without proper clearance.

While denying that Obi was barred from the state, Oghayan echoed the governor’s concerns about high-profile visits requiring security coordination to prevent potential unrest.

He added that seeking clearance for such visits is standard protocol in governance, referencing similar instances involving other political figures in the past.

“Peter Obi’s repeated disregard for due process and verification has shown a concerning pattern,” the NAPS president stated.

“By the authority vested in my office, he is no longer welcome on our campuses.”

The association emphasized that their action was not politically motivated but rather a measure to protect students and uphold institutional integrity.