Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over alleged threats to his life following his New Year message, which drew sharp criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the APC for stifling opposition voices and promoting authoritarian tendencies.
In a recent interview, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka accused Obi of “crossing the line” with his critiques of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that the former Anambra State governor should “be ready for whatever comes his way.”
Morka described Obi’s actions as attempts to incite Nigerians, likening his behavior to the lawlessness of “Wild Wild West” movies.
Reacting on social media, Obi expressed shock at the perceived threat, questioning how his New Year message could provoke such hostility. He stated, “I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.”
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, also condemned the remarks, urging security agencies to investigate Morka’s statement. Tanko warned that any move to arrest or intimidate Obi could backfire on the APC, adding, “We Nigerians have the right, as covered under the constitution, to speak to issues.”
Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the same election, also weighed in, describing Morka’s comments as a “disturbing emblem” of the APC’s disregard for democratic norms. He called for an apology from the APC, adding, “If anyone has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu administration, whose actions erode fundamental freedoms and stifle opposition.”
Atiku further criticized the prolonged detention of government critics, including Mahdi Shehu, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic survival.
He urged Nigerians and the international community to demand accountability and an end to authoritarian practices.
The APC, however, denied issuing any threats. Bala Ibrahim, National Publicity Director of the APC, urged Obi to caution his supporters against escalating tensions, stating, “We should be playing politics of maturity, not politics of threats and insults.”
Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said he was unaware of the alleged threats to Obi and Morka, asking whether the matter had been formally reported to the police.
