National publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Felix Morka has dismissed claims by Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi that he threatened the former Anambra State governor and his family.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Mr Morka described Mr Obi’s allegations as “patently false and reprehensible,” adding that they amounted to malicious defamation.
Obi, via his official X handle, had alleged that his New Year message prompted threats against his life and family, with Morka purportedly accusing him of “crossing the line” and warning him of consequences.
The accusations, according to Morka, appear to stem from comments he made during an interview on Arise News’ This Week program on January 4, 2025. In the interview, Morka had responded to a question about Obi’s criticisms of the APC-led government by accusing the former Anambra governor of being irrational in his commentary and unwilling to accept defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
“Mr. Obi has crossed the line so many times,” Morka said during the interview. “At this point, he has coming to him whatever he gets. He should manage it.”
However, Morka clarified in his statement that his remarks were directed solely at Obi’s political rhetoric and economic critiques, particularly on issues such as fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate policy, which the President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration has implemented in alignment with Obi’s own campaign promises.
“Nothing in that sentence constitutes or suggests a threat to Obi or anyone,” Morka stated. “Mr. Obi’s allegation that I threatened his life is a self-evident malicious lie and an attention-seeking, emotional blackmail.”
The APC spokesman further criticised Obi for allegedly inciting his online supporters, whom he accused of bullying and issuing death threats to political opponents. Morka urged Obi to retract his allegations and caution his followers against engaging in harmful rhetoric.
“As a public figure, Mr. Obi bears a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information,” Morka said. “Instead, he has chosen to peddle falsehood and mislead Nigerians in a quest for political currency and relevance.”
The statement emphasised the importance of free speech and accountability in a democracy, asserting that Obi is not immune to scrutiny or disagreement.
Morka concluded by warning that he may explore legal avenues to defend his reputation if Obi fails to retract his allegations.
