Atiku slams APC for threatening Peter Obi, calls for public apology

DDM News

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vehemently condemned a perceived threat to the life of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

Atiku’s statement reflects his growing concern about the increasing intolerance toward opposition voices under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In particular, Atiku criticized Morka’s warning to Obi, describing it as a disturbing sign of an authoritarian trend in Nigerian politics.

In an interview on Saturday, Felix Morka accused Peter Obi of spreading what he termed misinformation, which he claimed had crossed the line.

Morka went further to warn that Obi should be prepared for any consequences that might arise from his actions.

This statement was met with strong condemnation from Atiku, who, in a statement released on Tuesday, expressed dismay over what he perceives as the APC-led government’s growing hostility toward dissenting opinions.

Atiku labeled these actions as an attack on the democratic fabric of Nigeria, which is crucial for the progress and stability of the nation.

Atiku’s statement was blunt in its critique of the APC’s handling of opposition figures, citing the recent detention of Mahdi Shehu, a government critic, as further evidence of the administration’s tendency to silence opposition voices.

According to Atiku, this situation reflects a broader strategy by the government to stifle any form of criticism or alternative viewpoints.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Atiku expressed deep concern that the APC’s growing intolerance for differing opinions poses a serious threat to the principles of democracy, which allow for open and free discourse.

“The inflammatory comments made by Felix Morka against Peter Obi are a disturbing indication of the current administration’s approach to dealing with opposition figures.

“This threat, paired with the ongoing detention of individuals like Mahdi Shehu, points to a worrying shift toward authoritarianism.

“We are witnessing a situation where dissent is being criminalized and silenced,” Atiku remarked in his statement.

One of the most alarming aspects of Morka’s comments, according to Atiku, is his assertion that Obi should be “ready for whatever comes his way.”

This warning was deemed by Atiku as a dangerous attack on democratic values.

He strongly emphasized that in any functioning democracy, opposition voices should not only be tolerated but should be an integral part of the political discourse.

Suppressing such voices undermines the democratic process and sets a dangerous precedent for future governance.

Atiku called on both the APC and Morka to publicly clarify the meaning behind the threatening remarks made toward Obi.

He insisted that such inflammatory language was detrimental to civil discourse and could set a troubling example for the future of Nigerian politics.

The former Vice President’s demand for a public apology from Morka further underscores his belief that such language, which threatens political opponents, must be unequivocally condemned.

“It is the right and duty of any democratic government to listen to its critics and engage with them in constructive dialogue,” Atiku stated.

“What the APC is doing instead is threatening and silencing those who offer alternative views.

We must ask: What exactly does Mr. Morka mean when he says Obi has ‘crossed the line’?

The APC owes Nigerians a clear explanation and an apology.”

Atiku also took issue with Morka’s comparison of Obi’s remarks about the national hardship facing Nigeria to a “Wild West scenario.”

According to Atiku, Obi’s comments were merely a reflection of the daily struggles experienced by ordinary Nigerians under the current administration.

By dismissing these remarks as exaggerated or unfounded, Atiku argued that Morka and the APC were out of touch with the reality faced by millions of Nigerians who are grappling with the country’s economic challenges.

Atiku also warned that the APC must reconsider its approach to governance, especially in relation to the treatment of opposition figures.

He noted that free speech and the ability to challenge the government are essential pillars of a healthy democracy.

Instead of stifling dissent, the government should embrace constructive criticism as a means of improving governance and holding public officials accountable to the people.

“The APC needs to reflect on its role in upholding the democratic principles that Nigeria’s founding fathers envisioned.

The voices of opposition leaders like Peter Obi should not be silenced but respected as vital to the process of governance and public accountability,” Atiku concluded.

The escalating tensions between the ruling APC and opposition figures have raised significant concerns about the state of democracy and free speech in Nigeria.

Atiku’s criticism comes at a time when many believe that political discourse in the country is becoming increasingly polarized and hostile, with government officials and supporters of the ruling party resorting to threats and intimidation to silence dissent.

The incident has not only highlighted the growing rift between the APC and opposition groups but also drawn attention to the broader issue of the erosion of democratic values in the country.

As the political climate grows more contentious, it remains to be seen how the APC will respond to Atiku’s calls for clarification and an apology to Peter Obi.

This situation could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political future and its commitment to upholding democratic principles.

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