Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of suffocating opposition elements in the country.
Atiku stated this in response to comments made by Felix Morka. He is the National Publicity Secretary of the APC. The comments were against Peter Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election.
On Monday, Obi alleged that his New Year message on the state of the nation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has led to threats against his life. He also claimed that his family was threatened. He made the claim after Morka, during an interview on Arise Television, said “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets”. He added that Obi’s assessment of the current administration is “ridiculous and deceptive” and that the politician has no legacy in Anambra after governing the state for eight years.
Reacting to Morka’s comment, Atiku made a series of posts on his X handle. He said the development serves “as a disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures.” The inflammatory remarks came from Felix Morka, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He directed them at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last general election. These remarks illustrate the administration’s strategy of unsettling opposition figures.
This threat against Obi is concerning. It is coupled with the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent voice of dissent, and others. These actions signal a worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model. The rights of opposition voices are being suffocated. The choice of words used by the APC’s spokesperson reveals an alarming disdain for democratic principles. They particularly highlight the ominous suggestion that Obi has “crossed the line.”
Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme.
A true democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas. It values the criticisms and contributions of opposition leaders, like Peter Obi. These are seen as vital for improving governance and promoting public accountability. A democratic government has a solemn duty. It must listen attentively to the voices of its critics. It should engage in meaningful dialogue and allow space for alternative viewpoints.
Instead, we are faced with a chilling threat that suggests Obi must “be ready for whatever comes his way.” What, exactly, does Mr. Morka imply by this? It is imperative that the ruling party provides clarity on this disturbing insinuation.
The APC spokesperson’s crude and disparaging manner is troubling. They have framed Peter Obi’s calls for constructive engagement negatively. They liken them to a lawless Wild West scenario. Such reckless and derogatory expressions cannot be tolerated, and it is incumbent upon the APC to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian people for such disgraceful language.
Mallam Shehu remains in detention without any clear explanation for his continued imprisonment. This case adds to the growing concern about the erosion of freedoms in Nigeria. If there is anyone who has truly “crossed the line,” it is the Tinubu administration. Their continuous vilification of opposition figures as mere irritants to be crushed is a dangerous precedent.
It is now time for all men and women of goodwill to intervene. They should urge the Tinubu government to recalibrate its approach to dealing with dissent and opposition. The time has come to put an end to this stifling of voices that are crucial to the health of any functioning democracy.”
