In a recent exchange, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, clashed over alleged threats to Obi’s life. The tension arose following an interview on Arise Television, where APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka accused Obi of “crossing the line” with his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Morka alleged that Obi was attempting to incite Nigerians against the government, stating, “Mr Obi is shooting from the hip… He is absolutely irrational in his thinking about a man who was governor for eight years and left nothing to remember in Anambra State by way of legacy.” He concluded with a remark perceived as a threat: “Mr Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and I think that at this point, he has coming to him whatever he gets.”
In response, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, condemned Morka’s comments as a direct threat to Obi and warned against any attempts to intimidate or arrest him. Tanko stated, “If they make the move (to arrest Obi), it will boomerang on their government… Obi did not in any way question anybody’s integrity, nor did he cross any line.” He urged security agencies to investigate Morka’s statements and called on Nigerians to resist any slide into authoritarianism.
Peter Obi also addressed the situation via his official X handle, expressing concern over the threats stemming from his New Year message. He questioned, “Have I really crossed the line?… I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.”
The APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, expressed disappointment over the reactions from Obi’s supporters, suggesting that their responses were exaggerated and unconstructive.
This confrontation highlights the escalating political tensions in Nigeria, with calls for constructive dialogue and adherence to democratic principles becoming increasingly urgent.
