Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as a “baby politician” while questioning his political standing.
Okpebholo made the remark during an interview with Symfoni TV, where he spoke about Obi’s recent visit to Edo State and dismissed suggestions that the former Anambra State governor posed a significant political challenge.
The Edo governor recalled an earlier occasion when he said Obi should inform him before visiting the state. 
According to Okpebholo, he was unaware of Obi’s presence in Edo State during a church gathering organised following the death of an archbishop.
He explained that he only discovered Obi had attended the event after watching a video of himself delivering a speech, during which the NDC presidential candidate was seen responding with “Amen” as he prayed.
Okpebholo said the incident suggested that Obi recognised his political strength, adding that he did not consider politicians he regarded as inexperienced worthy of his attention.
The governor stated:
“The other time I told him (Peter Obi) if he is coming to Edo, he should let me know but you are the one telling me now, I didn’t know.
“The only time I saw him in Edo, he came and was in the church when the archbishop died. I didn’t know that he was there until I was watching the video where I was making a speech and I saw that while I was praying he was saying amen.
“So he is already acknowledging a stronger politician. These are baby politicians and I don’t talk about baby politicians.”
Okpebholo’s comments come amid political exchanges involving the Edo governor and Obi, as political activities and alignments gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.
