The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns about threats directed at him, his family, and associates following his New Year message addressing President Bola Tinubu.
In a post shared on his X account, Obi revealed that All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused him of “crossing the line” and warned of consequences. Obi lamented that the nation is increasingly transforming into an authoritarian regime, stating, “I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully.”
Obi’s supporters, under the Obidient Movement, condemned Morka’s remarks as a direct threat to Obi’s safety and the nation’s stability. Spokesperson Dr. Tanko Yunusa described Morka’s statement on Arise TV as reckless and a signal of Nigeria’s descent into authoritarianism. The group demanded clarity on what lines Obi allegedly crossed and urged the government to uphold freedom of expression and protect lives.
The APC denied allegations of issuing threats. In a statement, the party dismissed claims by Obi’s supporters as malicious. A transcript of Morka’s remarks shows him criticizing Obi’s political conduct and suggesting that he “has what’s coming to him,” which the APC insists is not a threat.
Obi’s supporters have called for vigilance and accountability from security agencies and urged Nigerians to resist repression while advocating for democratic values. Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise, with the opposition accusing the ruling party of suppressing dissenting voices.
