Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to formally apologize to Peter Obi and Nigerians.
This comes after APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made controversial comments in a recent interview.
Atiku shared his concerns on his official social media account, criticizing Morka’s statements as inflammatory and harmful.
Morka had accused Peter Obi of crossing the line with his continuous criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and suggested that Obi deserved any consequences that came his way.
Morka also claimed that Obi was trying to incite Nigerians to oppose the government.
These comments sparked mixed reactions, with Obi’s supporters warning that any harm to the former Anambra governor would not be tolerated. Atiku expressed that such language from Morka reflects a troubling approach by the current government in dealing with opposition.
Atiku stated, “Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme. It is not merely the right but the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen attentively to the voices of its critics, engage in meaningful dialogue, and allow space for the articulation of alternative viewpoints.
“A true democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas, where the criticisms and contributions of opposition leaders, like Peter Obi, are seen as vital for the betterment of governance and the promotion of public accountability.”
The Labour Party also reacted, giving President Tinubu seven days to address Morka’s comments.
Marcel Ngogbehei, Director-General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, stressed that Morka’s words went beyond political rivalry and posed a threat to democracy.
Ngogbehei said, “These statements, which target Peter Obi, a respected global figure and LP Presidential candidate in the last election, go beyond political rivalry and pose a direct threat to our democracy, peace, and unity.”
In response, Felix Morka accused Obi’s supporters of online harassment and denied any threats against Obi. Morka stated, “We call on Mr Obi to immediately set the record straight, withdraw his false allegation against Morka, and call his online supporters to order. Obi leads a restless band of online mob who continue to attack, intimidate, bully and issue death threats to other citizens who dare disagree or criticize his opinions on any matter of national conversation.
Tolu Bankole, a member of the APC National Working Committee, supported Morka, claiming he was only doing his job. Bankole urged Obi to focus on constructive opposition rather than playing the victim.
Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, stated that Obi remains undeterred and will continue to hold the government accountable.
“Obi’s stance on criticising the government remains unchanged despite the threats against his life. He has shown no indication of backing down or toning down this path.
“In fact, his resolve to speak out against the government’s anti-people and deleterious policies seems to have strengthened,” Ibrahim told newsmen.
