Atiku reacts to APC’s threats against Peter Obi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over recent inflammatory remarks made by Felix Morka, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), against Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Abubakar described Morka’s statements as emblematic of an alarming drift toward authoritarian governance under the current administration, citing the continued detention of prominent dissenting voices like Mahdi Shehu as further evidence of a troubling erosion of democratic freedoms.

Morka’s assertion that Obi had “crossed the line” raises significant concerns about the ruling party’s respect for democratic norms and civil discourse. According to Abubakar, such hostile rhetoric reflects a dangerous disdain for political pluralism and the right to dissent, both of which are pillars of any vibrant democracy.

“It is not only the right but the responsibility of opposition leaders to hold the government accountable and contribute to public discourse. In a democracy, the exchange of ideas—especially critical ones—strengthens governance and safeguards citizens’ freedoms,” Abubakar said.

Abubakar questioned the intent behind Morka’s ominous warning that Obi should “be ready for whatever comes his way,” demanding clarity from the APC on the true meaning of this veiled threat. “Such reckless language has no place in a democratic society. It is the duty of those in power to listen to dissenting voices, not to intimidate or silence them,” he added.

The former Vice President also criticized the APC spokesperson’s crude analogy likening Obi’s calls for engagement to a lawless Wild West scenario. He called on the ruling party to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian people for what he described as “disgraceful and unacceptable” remarks.

Additionally, Abubakar drew attention to the case of Mahdi Shehu, who remains in detention without clear justification, further highlighting the administration’s growing intolerance for opposition. He argued that if anyone has “crossed the line,” it is the Tinubu-led government, which appears intent on stifling dissent and vilifying critics rather than fostering dialogue.

“The actions of this administration set a dangerous precedent for our democracy. Silencing opposition figures and treating criticism as a threat to power undermines the very fabric of our nation’s democratic values,” Abubakar warned.

He called on all Nigerians and the international community to hold the government accountable, urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to adopt a more tolerant and democratic approach to governance. “It is time to restore respect for dissenting voices and uphold the principles that ensure our democracy remains strong and inclusive,” he concluded.

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