Apologise, retract your anti-Obi statement, LP tells APC spokesman

The Labour Party Caretaker Committee has expressed its displeasure over the recent remarks of the National Publicity Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka, which allegedly incited a “threat to life” against the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the committee’s Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the LP described the allegation made against Obi as an indicator that the ruling APC lacks the wherewithal to constructively engage national issues.

Usman also demanded an apology and a retraction of Morka’s “offensive statements,” as she urged security agencies to probe the matter.

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She said, “It’s with great concern and a deep sense of responsibility that I, condemn the recent incendiary remarks made by Mr Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, during his appearance on national television on the 5th of January 2025.

“His statements not only pose a direct threat to the life, reputation and business interests of Mr Peter Obi but also constitute an affront to the principles of democracy, decency and responsible political engagement.

“Mr Peter Obi, a man of impeccable character, has devoted his life to the service of Nigeria and the pursuit of good governance. He has consistently demonstrated that competence, merit and respect for the rule of law should guide leadership. To attack him with baseless allegations and threats is an indication of the APC’s inability to engage constructively on the issues that matter to Nigerians.

“The APC must immediately issue a public apology to Mr Peter Obi and retract the offensive statements made by its National Publicity Secretary. Anything less would be a tacit endorsement of such reckless and dangerous behaviour.”

“Such inflammatory rhetoric has no place in our democracy. It undermines national unity, discourages productive political discourse and endangers lives. We remind Mr Felix Morka and the APC leadership that words have consequences. The Labour Party will hold them accountable for any harm that befalls Mr Peter Obi or his associates,” the statement added.

Usman said the opposition party would continue to stand with Obi as it wouldn’t be “cowed or distracted by threats or intimidation.”

“We urge security agencies to investigate this matter and ensure that those who use public platforms to incite violence or issue veiled threats are held to account. Political leaders must rise above pettiness and focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation, including insecurity, unemployment, and economic instability.

“The Labour Party remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the values of transparency, justice and inclusion. We will not be cowed or distracted by threats or intimidation. Mr Peter Obi represents hope and progress for millions of Nigerians, and we will continue to stand by him in his pursuit of a better Nigeria.

“As leaders, we owe it to Nigerians to promote peace, unity, and responsible political dialogue. Let us not forget that the true measure of leadership lies in how we treat one another, even in the face of disagreement,” read the statement.

Morka’s earlier interview on Sunday sparked an outrage after he accused Obi of “crossing the line” in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that Obi “deserved whatever came his way.”

His remarks prompted Obi to tweet, asking Nigerians if he had truly crossed the line by attempting to hold the Tinubu administration accountable to the people.

On Wednesday, however, Morka claimed that Obi’s supporters were after him, allegedly sending 400 threats, including 200 death threats.