The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, has denied claims by Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that he issued threats against Obi’s life and family, describing the allegations as a “self-evident malicious lie,” Morka accused Obi of engaging in “attention-seeking” and “emotional blackmail.”
Obi had raised the alarm that Morka threatened him over his New Year message to President Bola Tinubu.
“My New Year Message has now led to threats to my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of “crossing the line” and has warned that I will face consequences,” Obi had tweeted.
The allegation of Obi had attracted comments from different quarters, with Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, accusing the ruling party of stifling opposition voices.
The Labour Party also told Tinubu to call Morka to order, demanding a probe of the alarm raised by Obi.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Morka refuted the allegations, asserting that his words were misrepresented. He clarified that his comments were in response to a specific question about Obi’s political rhetoric and did not imply any threat.
“Nothing I said in that interview or elsewhere remotely constitutes a threat to Mr. Obi or anyone else,” Morka stated.
He emphasised that his remarks were directed at Obi’s “malicious and irrational commentary” and were part of a broader critique of the Labour Party candidate’s political strategies.
Morka cited his interview response: “Mr. Obi is shooting wildly like in the ‘Wild West.’ He is not being rational… Rather than understand why he lost the election, he thinks he can bring down the government with malicious deception. At this point, whatever he gets, he should manage it.”
The APC spokesman underscored his commitment to free speech, stating, “While every Nigerian has the right to free speech, no one has the right to spread misinformation or falsehood. Democracy allows for disagreement and debate, but not the weaponisation of false narratives.”
Morka concluded by reiterating that his statements were not threats but legitimate political discourse, urging Obi to refrain from mischaracterising his comments.
Similarly, the National Women Leader of the APC, Dr Mary Alile, has taken sides with the party’s spokesperson, Mr Felix Morka and denied any threat to life against Peter Obi or his family members.
In a strongly worded statement signed personally by her on Tuesday, Alile described Mr Obi’s claims as inflammatory and baseless, noting that the APC and its leadership have always upheld the principles of democracy, free speech, and constructive criticism.
She accused the LP 2023 presidential candidate of deliberately misrepresenting Felix Morka’s remarks and wondered why Obi, who regularly positioned himself as a champion of dialogue and peace, is quick to escalate political commentary into a fabricated security concern.
The statement reads in part: “As the APC National Women Leader, I stand firmly with Felix Morka, our National Publicity Secretary, whose statements have been unjustly twisted to suit Mr. Obi’s narrative of victimhood.
“Mr. Obi’s allegations that Morka threatened his life and family are baseless, inflammatory, and an attempt to distract Nigerians from his own political shortcomings.
“Felix Morka’s response to Obi’s New Year address was a straightforward and well-articulated rebuttal of the misleading and often divisive rhetoric that Obi continues to propagate. It is disappointing that instead of engaging in mature political discourse, Obi has chosen to cry wolf, fabricating threats where none exist.”
On why Obi’s claim holds no water, the Women Leader stated that Morka’s comments were public and clear, devoid of any language that could be interpreted as a threat.
“Nigerians deserve better than calculated attempts to undermine public officials for cheap political sympathy,” she said.
She added that the APC under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast in upholding the tenets of democracy, and that Morka’s remarks aligned with her party’s commitment to addressing misinformation and setting the record straight.
“Mr. Obi’s recent statements are a distraction from his inability to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress. Rather than address the glaring lack of structure and cohesion within his party, Obi chooses to deflect attention by targeting APC officials who diligently defend the truth.
“We urge Nigerians to remain focused on the nation’s developmental goals under the progressive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The APC will not be deterred by opposition antics designed to derail our mission.
“Let it be clear that Felix Morka spoke on behalf of millions of Nigerians who are tired of baseless criticism and are ready to move forward under a government committed to action and results.
“I, Dr. Mrs. Mary Idele Alile, unequivocally support Felix Morka and denounce the desperate attempts to silence voices of truth within our party,” noted.
