The recent verbal exchanges between key political figures in Nigeria have sparked a heated debate over inflammatory rhetoric and its potential threat to democracy. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are locked in a fierce war of words following comments made by APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, during a televised interview.
Atiku Demands Apology Over “Disgraceful Language”
Atiku Abubakar, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the APC to issue a public apology to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Nigerians. In a tweet on his official X account, Atiku condemned Morka’s remarks on Arise Television, where Morka alleged that Obi had “crossed the line” with his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and “deserved to get whatever came his way.”
Atiku described Morka’s remarks as inflammatory and emblematic of an administration intolerant of dissent. He argued that such language has no place in a democracy. According to him, “It is incumbent upon the APC to apologize to Obi and the Nigerian people for such disgraceful language. A democratic government must engage with critics constructively, allowing space for alternative viewpoints.”
Atiku further expressed concerns about the potential shift toward authoritarian governance, warning that stifling opposition voices undermines Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Labour Party Issues Ultimatum to President Tinubu
In a related development, the Labour Party issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Tinubu, urging him to call Morka to order. Marcel Ngogbehei, Director-General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, argued that Morka’s remarks went beyond political rivalry and posed a direct threat to democracy and unity in Nigeria.
Ngogbehei stated, “As a key leader in the opposition for years, President Tinubu benefited from democratic freedoms under former President Goodluck Jonathan. We, therefore, expect his administration to distance itself from rhetoric that threatens free speech or endangers opposition leaders.”
The LP warned that failure to reprimand Morka would signal the administration’s indifference to threats against democracy. The party also accused the APC of creating a hostile environment for dissenting voices, which it said was detrimental to peace and progress in the country.
APC Defends Morka, Calls for Constructive Opposition
Reacting to the backlash, Morka denied making any threats against Obi or his supporters. In a statement, he clarified, “There was nowhere in the interview where I threatened Peter Obi, his family, or anyone else. My comments were directed at holding opposition figures accountable, just as they do to us.”
Morka accused Obi of failing to rein in his supporters, who he claimed had subjected him to online harassment and threats. Echoing this stance, APC National Working Committee member Tolu Bankole defended Morka, describing him as a committed professional who acted within the bounds of political discourse.
Bankole further criticized Obi for playing the victim and accused him of enabling his supporters’ “toxic behavior.” He added, “The APC remains focused on delivering good governance. Constructive criticism is welcome, but false allegations and victimhood narratives distract from meaningful political engagement.”
Obi Maintains Stance Amid Alleged Threats
Despite the controversy, Peter Obi’s camp has vowed not to relent in holding the government accountable. Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, stated that the former governor remains undeterred by threats and would continue to advocate for reforms and transparency.
“Obi’s resolve to speak out against anti-people policies remains firm. He will not back down, even in the face of adversity,” Ibrahim said. He emphasized that Obi’s criticisms are rooted in his commitment to accountability and public interest, urging the APC to focus on governance rather than silencing dissent.
As the political tussle intensifies, the episode underscores the fragile balance between free speech and responsible political discourse in Nigeria’s evolving democracy. Both sides APC and labour party must tread carefully to preserve the nation’s democratic ethos.
Call for Action to Protect Democratic Freedoms
Atiku called on all Nigerians to resist the stifling of opposition voices, emphasizing that dissent is a cornerstone of democracy. “This administration must understand that dissent is not disloyalty,” he noted, stressing that constructive criticism should be embraced rather than silenced.
He further urged the APC to clarify its position and take immediate steps to reassure Nigerians of its commitment to democratic principles. “The path to national unity and progress lies in engaging opposition constructively, not intimidating them into silence,” Atiku added.
The former Vice President’s remarks underscore growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, with many calling on the APC to adopt a more inclusive and tolerant approach to governance.
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