Some days ago, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), had cried out in the public domain.
Obi came bearing bad news, and for his millions of followers, whatever affects him affects them.
As we speak, the internet is on fire.
Allegations spiced with verbal attacks and even more threats have taken the center stage in this latest controversy.
You may have seen Peter Obi trending on social media, and you cannot help but wonder why?
It all started on January 4, 2025.
On that fateful day, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, shared some of his views during an interview on Arise TV.
Felix Morka, claimed that the former Anambra governor “crossed the line” in his persistent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that Obi deserved to get whatever came his way.
Morka also alleged that Obi was desperately seeking to incite Nigerians into bringing down the current government.
However, unknown to him, that interview later became the starting point of a huge controversy, one that has persisted even after the interview.
Shortly after the interview, Obi took to his verified X handle and alleged that the APC spokesman made threatening remarks about him during the interview.
Trust Obi’s supporters, they immediately took up the matter.
“Nothing must happen to Peter Obi and his family,” they warned.
“Obi must be protected,” others suggested.
Atiku Defends Peter Obi
Even Atiku Abubakar, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had urged the ruling All Progressives Congress to tender a formal apology to Peter Obi and the Nigerian people over the use of inflammatory and “disgraceful language” in that interview.
Atiku disclosed this in a tweet posted on his official X account.
The former vice president also said the face-off signals a worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model, where the rights of opposition voices are being suffocated.
In a similar development, the Labour Party on Tuesday gave the President seven days to reprimand and call Morka to order.
The ultimatum came barely 24 hours after the ruling party and the Obedient Movement had a heated debate on Monday over the perceived threat to the life of the former Anambra governor.
In his petition on Tuesday, the Director-General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, Marcel Ngogbehei, warned against targeting Obi over his New Year’s State of the Nation message.
Meanwhile, for Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obi’s claim is “unfortunate, misleading, and outright falsehood.”
Ganduje Speaks
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday night, Ganduje dismissed Obi’s allegations as a deliberate attempt at mischief and emotional blackmail.
He noted that Morka’s comments were misrepresented.
Ganduje clarified: “At no point did Morka threaten Obi or his family.
“By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libelled Morka in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family.”
Also Read: Peter Obi’s Arrest: The Real Truth
Ganduje emphasised the responsibility of public figures to provide truthful and accurate information, noting that spreading falsehood undermines public trust.
He added that Morka’s remarks responded to comments about “prophets of doom” and “voodoo economics” and did not constitute or suggest any threat.
“Morka was simply discharging his duties as the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, holding opposition actors accountable for their statements, as is expected in a democratic setting,” Ganduje explained.
The APC Chairman also reiterated the party’s commitment to free speech, which he said applies equally to all Nigerians, including members of the ruling party. He urged Obi to refrain from misinformation and accept criticism as part of the democratic process.
More Threats
Well, as the controversy continues to heat up, Felix Morka, who is at the center of this controversy, decided to speak.
Morka has alleged receiving more than 400 threats following allegations made by the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
According to Morka, over 200 of the threats are death threats, some accompanied by graphic descriptions of harm.
Morka disclosed the severity of the threats in an interview, stating they have been extended to his family.
He said: “I have documented no less than 400 threats, about 200 of which are death threats. This is not a joke, and it’s gone further to some members of my family who have also been threatened directly.”
Morka maintained his composure, despite the escalating situation, asserting that he bore no responsibility for the tensions.
Indeed, only time can tell what the future will bring.
However, for many Nigerians, especially those behind Obi, only one thing remains their major concern, and that concern is that nothing must happen to Peter Obi or any member of his family.
