The Labour Party (LP) Caretaker Committee on Thursday expressed concern over the “inflammatory rhetoric” by National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, against the LP Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, saying that it “has no place in our democracy.”
A statement by Chairman of LP Caretaker Committee, Senator Nenadi Usman, said that Morka’s “baseless allegations and threats is an indication of the APC’s inability to engage constructively on the issues that matter to Nigerians.”
The LP Caretaker Committee demanded that “APC must immediately issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and retract the offensive statements made by its National Publicity Secretary.”
Obi had in his New Year message insisted that Nigeria’s economic situation had worsened despite improvement claims by the Federal Government, restating that the country remains one of the poverty capitals in the world.
However, the APC Spokesperson, who spoke during an interview on Arise Television, said Obi was crossing the line with his incessant criticisms of the ruling party and Tinubu’s government. Tagging Obi a prophet of doom, Morka said: “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has It coming to him whatever he gets. Peter Obi is really crossing the line.”
The full statement by Senator Usman reads: “It is 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 (APC), 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.
“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.
“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.
“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 behavior.
“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.”