You lied, I didn’t threaten your life, APC spokesman replies Peter Obi

Felix Morka, spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denied allegations of threatening the life of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
On Monday, Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, claimed that his life was at risk due to his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In his New Year message, Obi expressed concerns over widespread hardship, institutional corruption, and the state of governance in the country.
Morka, in his response, labeled Obi a “prophet of doom,” accusing him of fostering negativity.
He reportedly stated that Obi “has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him, whatever he gets,” prompting Obi to allege that the comment constituted a threat to his life.
“Have I really crossed the line? I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against 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 the consequences,” Obi posted on X on Monday.
Many Nigerians, including Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the last presidential election, have also condemned Morka’s statement, demanding for apology from the ruling party.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Morka rejected Obi’s allegations, urging him to desist from spreading falsehoods.
“While everyone has a right to free speech, no one has a right to peddle misinformation or outright falsehood,” Morka said.
“The right to free speech granted by our country’s Constitution is not Mr. Obi’s exclusive right but a right that is available to all Nigerians, including Morka.”
He accused Obi of perpetuating false narratives while refusing to tolerate dissenting views.
“Mr. Obi cannot disseminate misinformation and demand or expect that no one should disagree or challenge his false narrative,” Morka said.
The APC spokesperson further accused Obi of enabling an online “mob” of supporters who allegedly issue death threats to individuals with opposing views.
“Many eminent and highly respected elder statesmen have been serially attacked, humiliated, and bullied by Obi’s online followers. Obi has never condemned their conduct or called them to order,” he said.
Morka also criticised what he described as Obi’s sense of immunity from scrutiny.
“Obi must think himself to be Nigeria’s sacred cow, the super citizen, quintessential, without blemish, beyond reproach, always right, never wrong, and endowed with the supreme and inalienable right to deride, castigate, intimidate, blackmail, and incite Nigerians against other political leaders who disagree with him, even those who defeated him decisively in the last general election,” Morka said.
He further accused Obi of inciting public hostility against him by claiming that his life was under threat.
“That is unacceptable. As a public figure, Mr. Obi bears a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information,” Morka concluded.