Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denied accusations from Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the last election, who claimed that Morka threatened him following his New Year message to President Bola Tinubu.
Obi had earlier raised alarm on social media, alleging that his New Year message had led to threats against him, his family, and others close to him.
He specifically pointed out Felix Morka, accusing him of warning him that he would “face consequences” for his actions.
Obi’s allegations quickly attracted political responses from various quarters.
Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the previous election, condemned what he viewed as an attempt by the ruling party to suppress opposition voices.
The Labour Party also urged President Tinubu to intervene, calling for an investigation into the allegations raised by Obi.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Morka explained that Obi’s accusation was based on a misinterpretation of his comments made during an interview on Arise TV’s THIS WEEK program on January 4, 2025.
Morka categorically denied threatening Obi, stating, “To set the record straight, I did not threaten Mr. Obi, his family, or anyone else. I have never issued any threats to Obi or anyone at all. Nothing I said in that interview, or in any other context, contains or suggests a threat in any way.”
Morka elaborated that the specific remark in question, made in response to a discussion about Obi’s criticism of the government, was misinterpreted.
“The statement ‘I think that at this point he has coming to him, whatever he gets, he needs to manage it’ was in direct response to the question concerning Obi’s comments on ‘prophet of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics’,” he clarified.
He stressed that his statement was not a threat, but rather a comment on Obi’s repeated controversial remarks.
Morka further stated that while everyone has a right to free speech, Obi’s actions should not go unchallenged.
“Mr. Obi, like any citizen, is entitled to express his opinions, but he cannot expect to spread misinformation without facing disagreements or challenges. The right to free speech is not exclusive to him but is a constitutional right for all Nigerians, including myself.”
The APC spokesman also criticized Obi’s supporters, claiming they frequently harass, intimidate, and issue threats to individuals who criticize Obi’s views.
He accused Obi of failing to condemn the behavior of his online followers, who have allegedly attacked respected figures in Nigerian politics.
Morka continued, “It seems Mr. Obi believes he is beyond reproach, a figure who can never be wrong. He appears to think he is entitled to bully, threaten, and incite against other political leaders, especially those who defeated him in the last election.”
Finally, Morka reflected on Obi’s past campaign promises, suggesting that many of his economic policy proposals were unrealistic and have not been sufficiently addressed.
He added that it was important for Obi to be held accountable for his actions and public statements.
Morka emphasized the importance of a democratic society where every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, has the right to freely express their views without fear of intimidation or misinformation.
