Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has vehemently denied allegations that he threatened the life of Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, his family, or anyone close to him. The denial follows Obi’s claims posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Morka had warned him of “consequences” for “crossing the line.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Morka rejected Obi’s accusations, calling them malicious and a desperate attempt to play the victim. He emphasized that Obi’s allegation was baseless and false, asserting that no one has the right to spread misinformation without being challenged. According to Morka, while free speech is a right guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution, it does not give anyone the right to disseminate falsehoods or misinformation without accountability.
Morka pointed out that Obi, a prominent political figure, has used his platform to express his views and political opinions, often stirring up hostility from online mobs. He criticized Obi for what he perceived as attempts to bully and intimidate anyone who disagreed with him, especially those critical of his stance or policies. Morka also suggested that Obi considers himself untouchable, believing that he is beyond reproach, even when his statements cross into the realm of falsehoods and misinformation.
“Mr. Obi must think himself to be Nigeria’s sacred cow, beyond reproach, and endowed with supreme rights,” Morka said. “There’s no doubt that Mr. Obi has crossed the line of truth in his many assessments. His mobilization of outrage and stoking tensions against the government are not leadership qualities.”
Atiku Condemns APC’s Attack on Obi as an Effort to Stifle Opposition
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned Morka’s remarks, characterizing them as part of a broader effort to silence opposition voices in Nigeria. Atiku warned that such rhetoric could pave the way for an authoritarian approach to governance, where critics of the ruling party are targeted and silenced.
In a statement, Atiku described Morka’s words as “disturbing” and indicative of the ruling administration’s strategy to undermine opposition figures. He expressed concern over the detention of prominent voices of dissent, such as Mahdi Shehu, and the growing intolerance for political opposition in the country.
“The inflammatory remarks issued by the APC spokesperson, Felix Morka, directed at Peter Obi, reveal a disturbing trend in how the current administration addresses opposition figures,” Atiku said. “The language used, particularly the suggestion that Obi has ‘crossed the line,’ reflects a troubling disregard for democratic principles.”
Atiku emphasized that a healthy democracy relies on civil discourse and the free exchange of ideas, including the criticisms offered by opposition leaders like Obi. He further criticized Morka’s insinuations, demanding clarification from the APC over what he perceived as a veiled threat against Obi.
“It is the duty of a democratic government to listen to its critics and engage in dialogue. The language used by the APC spokesperson, suggesting that Obi must ‘be ready for whatever comes his way,’ is deeply concerning,” Atiku added. “Such reckless language cannot be tolerated, and the APC should issue a formal apology to Obi and to Nigerians for this disgraceful rhetoric.”
