The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has accused the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of libel and incitement. Ganduje claims Obi’s remarks have incited his supporters to issue death threats against APC spokesman Felix Morka.
The controversy arose after Obi alleged that Morka had threatened his life in a recent interview. Obi, in a New Year’s Day critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claimed he and his family had faced threats from Morka, asking, “Have I really crossed the line?”
Obi’s allegations were based on a statement attributed to Morka during a Sunday interview, where Morka reportedly said: “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and he has what’s coming to him. Whatever he gets, he should manage it.”
However, Morka refuted Obi’s claims, stating that his comments were taken out of context. He urged Obi to clarify the matter, insisting that he never issued any threats against Obi or his family.
In a statement personally signed by him, Ganduje described Obi’s claims as deliberate falsehoods aimed at inciting public sentiment. He called the allegations “sheer mischief and outright falsehood,” emphasizing that they would ordinarily be ignored if not for the need to correct the narrative.
“By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libeled Morka in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family,” Ganduje stated.
The APC Chairman stressed that, as a public figure, Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate information, adding that such fabrications only undermine public trust.
Ganduje clarified that Morka’s comments during the interview were in response to questions about “prophets of doom” and “voodoo economics.” He maintained that nothing in Morka’s remarks suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else.
“Morka was simply performing his duty as APC’s National Publicity Secretary by responding to opposition statements, as is expected in a democratic setting,” Ganduje explained.
He further reiterated the importance of free speech as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, which applies equally to all citizens, including members of the ruling party.
Ganduje urged Obi to desist from spreading misinformation and to accept criticism as part of the democratic process.
“Does Mr. Obi expect the APC to remain silent while opposition actors propagate falsehoods without a response?” Ganduje questioned.
He warned that the APC would continue to counter baseless allegations against Tinubu’s administration with facts, while upholding democratic principles.
The APC Chairman concluded by emphasizing the party’s commitment to constructive engagement and accountability in Nigeria’s democratic space.
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