If anyone has crossed the line, it’s Tinubu govt, says Atiku

A former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed strong disapproval of the remarks made by the All Progressives Congress Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, against Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

Atiku described the comments as a troubling indicator of the ruling party’s drift towards authoritarianism.

He also said ”if anyone has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu-led government, which seems intent on crushing opposition figures rather than engaging them in meaningful dialogue.”

Atiku’s criticism came in response to Morka’s statement, which suggested that Obi had “crossed the line” in his political engagements.

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According to Atiku in a statement posted on X platform Tuesday, Atiku said such rhetoric betrays a deep disdain for democratic principles and undermines the values of constructive dialogue in a pluralistic society.

“The choice of words, particularly the ominous phrase ‘crossed the line,’ is not just undemocratic but also alarming. It hints at an authoritarian mindset where dissenting voices are seen as threats to be silenced rather than contributors to governance.

“In any true democracy, the government’s critics play a vital role in ensuring accountability and transparency. Attempts to stifle these voices only serve to erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.

“This kind of language is not only reckless but unbecoming of a party that claims to uphold democratic values. Peter Obi, like any opposition leader, has the right to advocate for accountability and good governance without being subjected to threats or ridicule,” Atiku said.

The PDP stalwart further noted that democracy thrives on the robust exchange of ideas and the freedom of opposition leaders to critique government policies.

Atiku also condemned Morka’s disparaging characterisation of Obi’s calls for dialogue, which the APC spokesperson likened to “a lawless Wild West scenario.”

The former Vice President’s statement also highlighted concerns about the detention of Mahdi Shehu, a vocal critic of the current administration, who has been ‘held without clear justification’.

Atiku described Shehu’s situation as part of a “pattern of silencing dissenting voices.”

He added, “The prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu and others is a glaring example of the administration’s disregard for fundamental freedoms. If anyone has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu-led government, which seems intent on crushing opposition figures rather than engaging them in meaningful dialogue.”

Atiku called on the APC to clarify Morka’s statement, particularly the veiled threat that Obi “must be ready for whatever comes his way.”

“Such a chilling insinuation demands an immediate explanation. The ruling party must demonstrate its commitment to democracy by retracting this inflammatory rhetoric and apologizing to Peter Obi and the Nigerian people.

“Civil society groups and other stakeholders have joined in condemning the APC’s approach to handling dissent. Many have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to adopt a more inclusive and tolerant stance towards opposition figures.

“It is now time for all men and women of goodwill to intervene. The administration must recalibrate its approach to dissent and opposition, as these voices are crucial to the health of any democracy. Without them, we risk sliding into authoritarianism, which has no place in our society”, Atiku urged.

The ruling All Progressives Congress and supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate engaged themselves in a war of words on Monday over an alleged threat to the life of the former Anambra State governor.

The hostility was a fallout of Sunday’s interview on Arise Television, where the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, claimed that the former Anambra governor had “crossed the line” in his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

An emotional Morka claimed that Obi was desperately seeking to incite Nigerians into bringing down the current government.

The APC spokesman subsequently ended his argument with a subtle threat of “he has coming to him whatever he gets.”