The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje on Wednesday threw his weight behind the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka.
He also described claims attributed to the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, as misleading, an act he said incited his online supporters to troll Morka.
The Punch reports that Ganduje disclosed this in a statement signed by him in Abuja.
His clarification comes a few hours after the APC spokesman claimed that he and his family received 200 death threats over his inflammatory remarks from pro-Obi supporters.
Morka alleged that the threats were triggered by Obi’s accusation that his remarks during a Sunday interview on Arise Television constituted a threat to the Labour Party candidate’s life.
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 inflammatory remarks prompted Obi to tweet, asking Nigerians if he had truly crossed the line by attempting to the Tinubu’s administration accountable to the people.
Morka, on Wednesday, claimed that Obi’s supporters were after him, allegedly sending 400 threats, including 200 death threats.
Morka said, “Peter Obi’s allegations that my words in that interview threatened his life have triggered serious consequences.
“As of now, I have documented 400 threats, about 200 of which are explicit death threats. These are written threats that I will be submitting to law enforcement agencies.
“In these messages, individuals have detailed how they plan to harm me—threatening to shoot me, behead me, and carry out other gruesome acts. This is not mere rhetoric. It has even extended to direct threats against some members of my family. These are explicit and graphic threats, not vague insinuations.
“This entire situation is baseless and cannot be attributed to me. I did not threaten Peter Obi in any way. Those issuing these threats are acting on their own, but I trust that law enforcement will respond swiftly to bring them to justice.”
Ganduje, throwing his weight behind Morka on Wednesday, accused Obi of inciting an online mob against the ruling party.
Ganduje said, “By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libeled him in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family.
“Morka’s comments during the interview were strictly in response to a question referencing ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement constituted or suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else.
“Does Mr. Obi expect the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried.
He maintained that the APC would continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu-led administration.
As reported by TheCable, Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, had earlier alleged threat to his life over his criticism of Tinubu’s administration.
The former governor of Anambra made the allegation after Felix Morka, national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets”.
During an interview with Arise Television, Morka described Obi as an “irrational being” and slammed his public commentary.
The APC spokesperson labeled Obi’s claims as “ridiculous” and “deceptive,” criticising his 8-year tenure as Anambra governor for lacking legacy.
He added that Obi needs to figure out why he lost the 2023 presidential election and should stop being dishonest.
Obi, in his New Year message to Nigerians, had criticised Tinubu and expressed concerns over “institutional corruption, mismanagement, poverty, hardship, and an escalating debt profile”.
He noted that “corruption has been deeply entrenched in government” while “nepotism has become the norm on Tinubu’s watch”.
He also demanded “vigorous, positive actions” from the administration to bring succour to Nigerians.
Reacting to Morka’s comments on his X page on Monday, Obi asked Nigerians if he has “crossed the line” after receiving threats against his life, family, and associates following his New Year’s message.
The LP chieftain added that he would continue to speak “truthfully,” noting that Nigeria is drifting towards authoritarianism and undemocratic practices, which, according to him, must be addressed.
“Have I really crossed the line?” Obi asked.
“I ask the question 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 gone further to accuse me of “crossing the line” and has warned that I will face the consequences.
“I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch. If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum.
“However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.
“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.”
