Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Threats to His Life  

Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Threats to His Life

 

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian election, has expressed concerns about receiving threats directed at him, his family, and close associates. The threats, which Obi linked to his New Year message addressing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, have sparked reactions from his supporters and political opponents.

 

Obi Questions Allegations of Crossing the Line

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi disclosed that he had been accused of “crossing the line” and was warned of potential consequences. The accusation, according to Obi, was made by Felix Morka, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, during a television interview.

 

Obi wrote:

“Have I really crossed the line? I ask this because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has accused me of ‘crossing the line’ and warned of consequences.

 

“We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed. May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children.”

 

Obi emphasized his commitment to decorum and invited critics to pinpoint where he allegedly overstepped. He reiterated his resolve to speak truthfully, particularly as Nigeria faces what he described as a drift toward undemocratic practices.

 

 

 

Obidient Movement Condemns Threats

Obi’s supporters, operating under the Obidient Movement, expressed outrage over the threats, which they perceive as a direct attack on their principal and an alarming sign of authoritarianism.

 

Dr. Tanko Yunusa, the group’s spokesperson, stated:

“The comments made by Felix Morka on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, are a blatant threat to Mr. Peter Obi’s life. Morka’s statement, ‘Mr. Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has what’s coming to him,’ is reckless and unbecoming of a ruling party representative.”

 

Yunusa called on the APC to clarify what lines Obi allegedly crossed and on whose authority these boundaries were set. He criticized the APC’s approach as a departure from democratic engagement, labeling it a pattern of repression aimed at silencing dissent.

 

 

 

 

The APC Responds

 

In its defense, the APC denied that Morka’s statements constituted a threat to Obi. In a tweet, the party accused Obi’s supporters of spreading false information, asserting that Morka’s comments were taken out of context.

 

The APC shared the transcript of Morka’s interview, in which he criticized Obi’s political approach:

 

“Mr. Obi is shooting from the hip. He is irrational in his public commentary. For someone who was governor for eight years and left no significant legacy in Anambra State, his recent behavior is unbecoming. He has crossed the line so many times, and whatever he gets, he needs to manage it.”

 

The party maintained that the remarks were political criticism and not a threat, dismissing claims of incitement.

 

 

The Obidient Movement urged Nigerians and the international community to hold the government accountable for ensuring the safety of Obi and his associates. They stressed the importance of preserving democratic values, freedom of expression, and dialogue over intimidation.

 

Yunusa further stated:

“If any harm befalls Peter Obi or his family, the Nigerian government and its agents will be held responsible. We urge the security services to investigate these threats seriously and foster an environment of constructive discourse rather than repression.”