Marcel Ngogbehei, the Director General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, has urged President Bola Tinubu to publicly reprimand Felix Morka, the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC), over his alleged threat to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
Ngogbehei emphasized that such a public intervention is crucial to demonstrate the President’s dedication to democratic principles, ensuring peace and stability, and upholding international democratic standards.
The Labour Party leader expressed concerns over Morka’s recent statements, which he argued had escalated beyond political rivalry and were now a direct threat to the nation’s democracy, peace, and unity.
Morka had, during an interview on Arise Television on Sunday, claimed that Peter Obi had “crossed the line” in his recent criticism of President Tinubu’s government.
He further suggested that Obi was attempting to incite Nigerians against the current government, finishing with a veiled threat: “he has coming to him whatever he gets.”
In an open letter addressed to President Tinubu on Tuesday, Ngogbehei reminded the President of the freedoms he enjoyed during his days in opposition and questioned why Obi would face threats for merely voicing his opinions on national issues.
He wrote, “With all due respect, I write to you in my capacity as the Director General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilization and Integration. The Labour Party has stood firm and strong as the leading opposition party in Nigeria and we wish to express grave concern over the recent unguarded and threatening remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). These statements, which target H.E. Peter Obi, a respected global figure and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, go beyond political rivalry and pose a direct threat to our democracy, peace, and unity.”
Ngogbehei continued, addressing the President directly: “Your Excellency, you are uniquely positioned to appreciate the significance of a vibrant opposition in a democratic system. Your own political career is a testament to the critical role opposition plays in ensuring accountability, fostering development, and strengthening democracy.”
He further reminded Tinubu of his own experiences in opposition, stating, “As a key leader in the opposition for many years, you and the APC were beneficiaries of the freedoms and protections afforded by Nigeria’s democratic system under the then President Goodluck Jonathan, which allowed you to challenge the status quo and ultimately ascend to power.”
Ngogbehei argued that Morka’s statements not only threatened Obi’s safety but also undermined the values of free speech, constructive criticism, and political diversity. “We, therefore, call on you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the leader of the ruling APC, to publicly caution and reprimand Mr. Felix Morka for his inflammatory statements within the next seven (7) days.”
He warned that failure to act would send a dangerous message, stating, “Should Your Excellency choose not to act decisively by openly condemning Mr. Morka’s statements, it will send a troubling signal to Nigerians and the international community that your administration is either complicit in or indifferent to threats against democracy and political dissent.”
Ngogbehei added, “Such a stance would contradict the global tenets of democratic governance and tarnish Nigeria’s reputation as a nation striving to strengthen its democratic institutions.”
He urged the President to distance his administration from rhetoric or actions that threaten free speech, suppress opposition, or endanger political leaders. “Leadership, Your Excellency, demands the courage to defend democracy not just in words but through action.”
Finally, Ngogbehei appealed to Tinubu’s sense of leadership, asserting, “As a leader who has greatly benefited from Nigeria’s democratic system, you are in a unique position to champion and protect the right to opposition and free speech. By taking swift and public action to caution Mr. Felix Morka, you will reaffirm your administration’s commitment to these values and set a precedent for political conduct in Nigeria.”
Ngogbehei expressed trust in Tinubu’s wisdom and leadership to act in the nation’s best interests and to safeguard the strength, inclusivity, and resilience of Nigeria’s democracy.
