By Olaitan Ibrahim
The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, has denied claims by Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that he issued threats against Obi’s life and family.
Describing the allegations as a “self-evident malicious lie,” Morka accused Obi of engaging in “attention-seeking” and “emotional blackmail.”
The controversy stems from a post by Obi titled “Have I Really Crossed the Line?” shared on his X handle on Monday.
In it, Obi alleged that Morka threatened him following his New Year criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“My New Year Message has now led to threats to my life, my family, and those around me. One Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of ‘crossing the line’ and warned I will face consequences,” Obi wrote.
The claims were linked to Morka’s remarks during an interview, where he said, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has what’s coming to him; whatever he gets, he should manage it.”
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Morka refuted the allegations, asserting that his words were misrepresented. He clarified that his comments were in response to a specific question about Obi’s political rhetoric and did not imply any threat.
“Nothing I said in that interview or elsewhere remotely constitutes a threat to Mr. Obi or anyone else,” Morka stated.
He emphasised that his remarks were directed at Obi’s “malicious and irrational commentary” and were part of a broader critique of the Labour Party candidate’s political strategies.
Morka cited his interview response: “Mr. Obi is shooting wildly like in the ‘Wild West.’ He is not being rational… Rather than understand why he lost the election, he thinks he can bring down the government with malicious deception. At this point, whatever he gets, he should manage it.”
The APC spokesman underscored his commitment to free speech, stating, “While every Nigerian has the right to free speech, no one has the right to spread misinformation or falsehood. Democracy allows for disagreement and debate, but not the weaponisation of false narratives.”