Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has claimed that he is facing threats to his life after critiquing President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his New Year message.
This follows remarks from Felix Morka, the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who stated in a recent interview that Obi had “crossed the line so many times” and warned that he would face “whatever he gets.”
In his New Year press conference on Thursday, Obi criticized the worsening political, economic, and security situations in Nigeria.
He lamented that despite government claims of progress, the country’s challenges have intensified.
He highlighted Nigeria’s deepening poverty, with over 100 million people living in extreme poverty, and its declining economic status, pointing out that the country had fallen from being Africa’s largest economy in 2014 to now ranking fourth.
In response to Morka’s comments, Obi took to his X handle, questioning whether he had truly “crossed the line” after receiving threats against his life, family, and associates.
He urged anyone who believed he had overstepped to clarify where, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining decorum.
Obi emphasized his determination not to be silenced in his efforts to speak the truth, particularly as he expressed concerns over the nation’s drift towards undemocratic practices.
Obi’s statement reads, “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.”
He further added, “If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum. However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.”
Obi concluded by expressing concerns about Nigeria becoming an increasingly “authoritarian and repressive regime,” where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed.
He called for efforts to build a “better and freer society for the sake of our children.”
