APC Tackles Obidients as Peter Obi Alleges Threat to Life

The political atmosphere in Nigeria took a tense turn on Monday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, exchanged heated words. The controversy stemmed from an Arise Television interview where APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Obi of attempting to destabilize the government with his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Morka’s statements included a veiled warning, which many interpreted as a threat. “Mr. Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and I think at this point, he has coming to him whatever he gets,” Morka remarked. The APC spokesperson accused Obi of acting irrationally, claiming his critiques of Tinubu’s leadership were baseless and aimed at inciting Nigerians against the government.

Obidient Movement Fires Back

Reacting to Morka’s comments, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, described the APC’s rhetoric as an attempt to intimidate Peter Obi and his supporters. Tanko warned that any move to harm or arrest Obi could backfire on the ruling party, asserting that Nigerians would not tolerate such actions.

“Obi has not impugned anyone’s integrity or crossed any democratic lines. This threat must be investigated,” Tanko stated. He also urged security agencies to take Morka’s remarks seriously and ensure accountability. Tanko reiterated the movement’s commitment to democratic principles, emphasizing their right to criticize government policies.

Peter Obi: I Will Not Be Silenced

Peter Obi also took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to address the perceived threat. Obi questioned how his New Year message could provoke such hostility from the APC. In the message, he expressed his resolve to continue speaking truth to power, warning against Nigeria’s drift toward authoritarianism.

“Have I really crossed the line? My New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me,” Obi wrote. He stressed the importance of freedom of expression and called for a society that values open dialogue and democratic practices.

Obi further noted that he would not allow intimidation to deter him from addressing issues affecting Nigerians. “We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed,” he said.

APC Responds: Call for Decorum

The APC responded through its National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, who criticized Obi’s supporters for their reaction to Morka’s comments. Ibrahim denied any threats were made, urging Peter Obi to caution his supporters against inciting hostility.

“They are taking politics to a different level. By now, we should be playing politics without bitterness. Morka’s comments were neither threatening nor insulting,” Ibrahim said. He expressed disappointment in the Obidient Movement’s interpretation of Morka’s remarks and called for maturity in political discourse.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that no official report regarding threats to Obi or Morka had been filed. “I’m not aware of what you are saying. Has he informed us?” Adejobi queried.

As the exchange between the APC and Labour Party supporters intensifies, observers are calling for restraint and a focus on constructive dialogue to uphold Nigeria’s democratic values.

Calls for Restraint and Constructive Engagement

Political analysts have expressed concern over the escalating hostility between the APC and Obidient Movement. They warned that such provocative exchanges could jeopardize Nigeria’s democratic development.

Observers have called on both sides to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue. “Criticism is essential for democracy, but it must be constructive and not inflammatory,” one analyst noted.

As Nigeria grapples with its democratic challenges, stakeholders are urging politicians and their supporters to prioritize the nation’s stability over personal or party interests. The resolution of such conflicts is crucial to preserving democratic integrity and fostering national unity.