APC Chairman Accuses Peter Obi of Libel Over Morka’s ‘Threat’ Claims

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, accusing him of libel and inciting his followers to issue death threats against Felix Morka, the APC spokesman.

The controversy stems from Obi’s claims that Morka had threatened his life following Obi’s New Year’s Day criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Obi questioned whether he had “crossed the line” after allegedly receiving threats to his life, family, and associates from Morka.

Obi’s allegations were prompted by a statement attributed to Morka in a Sunday interview, where he remarked, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and he has what’s coming to him. Whatever he gets, he should manage it.”

In response, Morka denied threatening Obi, asserting that the former governor had misinterpreted his words and taken them out of context. Morka urged Obi to clarify the situation, reinforcing that his comments were not a threat.

However, Ganduje condemned Obi’s claims, describing them as misleading and damaging. In a statement he personally signed, the APC chairman emphasized that Obi’s accusations were baseless and reckless, fueling unnecessary hostility toward Morka.

Ganduje stressed that by falsely accusing Morka of threatening his life, Obi had libeled him, and more troublingly, incited his online supporters to issue violent threats against Morka and his family. He reminded Obi that, as a public figure, it was crucial to provide truthful information and avoid spreading falsehoods that erode public trust.

The APC National Chairman clarified that Morka’s remarks were made in the context of a larger discussion on economic policies and were not directed as a threat against Obi. He explained that Morka was merely fulfilling his role as the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, holding the opposition accountable within the framework of a democratic society.

“Morka’s comments were a response to a question regarding ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement suggested any threat to Obi or anyone else,” Ganduje asserted.

Ganduje also reaffirmed the APC’s stance on free speech, highlighting that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the right to free expression for all citizens, including members of the ruling party. He called on Obi to refrain from spreading misinformation and to accept criticism as a necessary component of democratic engagement.

“Does Mr. Obi expect the APC to remain silent while the opposition spreads falsehoods?” Ganduje questioned, making it clear that the APC would continue to counter unsubstantiated claims with factual responses related to the governance of President Tinubu.

The APC National Chairman concluded by reiterating his party’s commitment to democratic principles, emphasizing that while they would uphold free speech, they would also hold opposition figures accountable when necessary.