Peter Obi Alleges Threat to Life, Atiku Criticizes APC for Undemocratic Tactics

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has alleged threats to his life following his New Year message, which drew sharp criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response to Obi’s remarks, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused the former Anambra State governor of “crossing the line” with his critiques of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Morka warned Obi to “be ready for whatever comes his way,” describing his comments as an attempt to incite Nigerians and likening his actions to the “lawlessness of Wild Wild West movies.”

Reacting to the statement, Obi expressed shock at the perceived threat, questioning why his New Year message should provoke hostility. “I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation drifts further toward undemocratic practices,” Obi said.

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, also condemned Morka’s comments, urging security agencies to investigate the remarks. Tanko warned that any attempt to arrest or intimidate Obi could backfire on the APC, adding, “Nigerians have the constitutional right to speak out on national issues.”

Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, criticized the APC for what he described as its authoritarian tendencies. Atiku called Morka’s comments a “disturbing emblem” of the ruling party’s disregard for democratic norms. He demanded an apology from the APC and argued that the Tinubu administration is the one “crossing the line” by eroding fundamental freedoms and suppressing opposition voices.

Atiku also raised concerns about the prolonged detention of government critics, such as Mahdi Shehu, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic survival. He called on Nigerians and the international community to hold the government accountable and demand an end to oppressive practices.

In its defense, the APC denied issuing threats against Obi. Bala Ibrahim, National Publicity Director of the APC, dismissed Obi’s claims and urged him to caution his supporters against escalating tensions. “We should engage in politics of maturity, not threats and insults,” Ibrahim said.

Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said he was unaware of any threats made against Obi or Morka, adding that it was unclear if the matter had been formally reported to the police.