Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned remarks made by Felix Morka, the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC), against Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Atiku described Morka’s comments as “inflammatory” and accused the Tinubu-led administration of stifling opposition voices, warning of a dangerous shift towards authoritarianism in the country.
The controversy erupted after Morka appeared on *Arise TV*, where he made a series of controversial statements regarding Obi. During the interview, Morka claimed that Obi had “crossed the line” and “had it coming.” These comments have been widely interpreted as a threat to Obi’s life and safety, with many seeing them as part of a broader pattern of hostility toward the opposition under the current government.
In response to Morka’s remarks, Peter Obi expressed serious concerns about his safety and that of his family. He accused Morka of making veiled threats that could endanger his well-being. The situation has led to widespread condemnation from various quarters, including Atiku, who has taken to social media to voice his objections.
Atiku, who was a key figure in Nigeria’s political scene during the 2023 elections, labelled Morka’s comments as emblematic of the ruling administration’s increasing disregard for the rights of opposition figures. He accused the government of attempting to suppress dissent and curtail democratic freedoms. “This threat against Obi, coupled with the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, signals a worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model, where the rights of opposition voices are being suffocated,” Atiku said in a statement.
Atiku further expressed alarm over the implications of such rhetoric, suggesting that it could erode the democratic foundations of Nigeria. “The language used by Morka is not only hostile but also a violation of democratic principles,” Atiku said. “The ominous suggestion that Obi has ‘crossed the line’ reveals an alarming disdain for democratic values.”
He also noted that democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and any effort to stifle opposition or silence critics undermines the very essence of democratic governance. “We cannot afford to allow these types of remarks to become normalized,” Atiku warned. “Democracy only works when all voices are heard, and no one should be threatened for holding different views.”
In his statement, Atiku called on the APC leadership to clarify Morka’s remarks and issue an apology not only to Obi but to all Nigerians who believe in the principles of democratic governance. He emphasized that such threats against public figures are unacceptable in any civil society and undermine the country’s democratic fabric.
The former Vice President also touched on the broader implications of the ongoing suppression of dissent in Nigeria. He pointed out that the continued detention of critics, such as Mahdi Shehu, was a clear sign of the government’s efforts to suppress opposition. “The prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, without trial, is a direct attack on Nigeria’s democratic values and an indication of how the Tinubu administration is handling those who dare to speak out against its policies,” Atiku said.
Atiku’s criticism reflects growing concern among many Nigerians regarding the state of democracy under the current administration. Over the past few months, there have been numerous reports of opposition leaders, activists, and journalists facing harassment, intimidation, and even detention for speaking out against government policies or actions.
The ongoing feud between the APC and the opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party, has intensified with the comments from Morka and Obi’s concerns about his safety. For many, this latest development highlights the increasing tension in the political climate as the country faces challenges in upholding democratic principles and safeguarding civil liberties.
Atiku’s call for clarification and an apology from Morka comes at a time when Nigerians are already questioning the government’s commitment to free speech and democratic engagement. The former Vice President urged the Tinubu administration to recalibrate its approach and prioritize civil discourse over hostility. “The government must prioritize dialogue and respect for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” Atiku said.
In a clear call for political reform, Atiku reminded the APC of the importance of allowing opposition voices to flourish. He emphasized that opposition parties play a crucial role in holding the government accountable and ensuring good governance. “Without healthy opposition, democracy is at risk of becoming a façade, where only one side is allowed to speak, and dissent is punished,” he stated.
