Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed strong disapproval of a perceived threat to the life of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
Atiku described Morka’s comments as emblematic of a troubling drift toward authoritarianism under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Morka, in an interview on Saturday, accused Obi of spreading misinformation and warned that the former Anambra State governor had “crossed the line.” In response, Atiku, via a statement on Tuesday, decried the APC-led government’s alleged attacks on opposition voices, describing such actions as a serious affront to democracy.
In his statement, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the APC’s growing intolerance toward dissenting opinions. He linked Morka’s remarks to a broader trend of suppressing opposition, citing the continued detention of government critics like Mahdi Shehu as further evidence.
“The inflammatory remarks issued by Felix Morka directed at Peter Obi serve as a disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures. This threat, coupled with the prolonged detention of voices like Mahdi Shehu, signals a worrisome shift towards authoritarian governance, where the rights of opposition figures are being stifled,” Atiku stated.
He criticized Morka’s warning that Obi should “be ready for whatever comes his way,” calling it an alarming affront to democratic values. Atiku emphasized that in a democracy, opposition voices are not only essential but should be welcomed as part of a healthy political discourse.
Atiku demanded that the APC and Morka clarify the intent behind the threatening remarks and issue a public apology to Peter Obi. He stressed that such inflammatory language undermines civil discourse and sets a dangerous precedent for governance.
“It is not merely the right, but the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen to its critics, engage in dialogue and allow space for alternative viewpoints,” Atiku stated. “Instead, we are faced with a chilling threat. What exactly does Mr. Morka imply by saying Obi has ‘crossed the line’? The APC must clarify this disturbing insinuation.”
The former PDP presidential candidate also criticized Morka for comparing Obi’s statements on national hardship to a “Wild West scenario,” asserting that Obi’s comments merely reflected the daily struggles of Nigerians under the current administration.
Atiku reiterated that free speech and open dialogue are cornerstones of democracy and urged the APC to embrace constructive criticism rather than resorting to threats.
“The APC must reflect on its responsibility to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the voices of opposition leaders like Peter Obi are not suppressed but respected as a vital part of governance and public accountability,” Atiku concluded.
This incident highlights growing tensions between the ruling party and opposition figures, raising questions about the state of free speech and democratic engagement in Nigeria.
