Obidient Movement Warns APC Over Life Threats Against Peter Obi, Demands Investigation

A verbal confrontation has erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, following comments made by APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who allegedly issued a veiled threat against Obi.

The tension began after Morka, during a Sunday interview on Arise Television, accused the former Anambra State governor of trying to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s government by “maliciously deceptive” criticism. Morka suggested Obi’s remarks were reckless and that “whatever he gets” in response to his actions was deserved.

“The way Obi is shooting from the hip and making irrational statements is dangerous,” Morka said. “If not for internal APC issues, Obi wouldn’t have won anything in Kano. His incessant attacks on the government are a threat to stability.”

Reacting sharply, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, condemned Morka’s remarks, seeing them as an outright threat. He warned the APC against any attempts to intimidate or arrest Obi, threatening that such moves would backfire on the government. He called on Nigerians to stand firm against what he described as authoritarian practices.

“This is a threat. If they try to arrest Obi, Nigerians will react strongly,” Tanko asserted. He also challenged the ruling party to respond to Obi’s criticisms with facts rather than resorting to intimidation. He emphasized that Obi had merely addressed issues affecting Nigerians, exercising his right to do so.

Obi himself took to social media to address the comments, expressing shock that his New Year message had sparked such a threat. He invited anyone to point out where he had “crossed the line,” stating he would continue to speak out against what he perceives as a growing authoritarian regime.

“I won’t be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully,” Obi wrote on X (formerly Twitter), stressing that the country’s transition into an authoritarian system required vigilance and resistance.

However, the APC’s Bala Ibrahim downplayed the controversy, arguing that Morka’s comments were not threatening or insulting. He urged Obi to call his supporters to order, encouraging the opposition to engage in politics of maturity. Ibrahim stated that political discourse should be devoid of threats and unsubstantiated attacks.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian police force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, denied any knowledge of the alleged threats against Obi, stating he could not confirm whether any threat had been made.

The confrontation between the APC and Obi’s supporters highlights the ongoing political tension in Nigeria, with both sides preparing for what promises to be a contentious 2027 election.