Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2023, of defamation and encouraging his supporters to make death threats against APC spokesperson Felix Morka. Ganduje claims that Obi is being dishonest by stating that Morka threatened him and his family in a recent interview. Obi alleged that Morka threatened his life after Obi criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration on New Year’s Day. He questioned whether he had “truly crossed the line” after reportedly receiving threats to his life, family, and associates from Morka. Obi’s claim came after Morka’s comments during an interview on Sunday, in which he stated, “Peter Obi has crossed the line numerous times, and he will face the consequences.” He should handle whatever he receives. In response, Morka claimed that Obi had misrepresented him, stressing that he never threatened Obi’s life, and urged the former Anambra State governor to clarify the situation. Meanwhile, Ganduje deemed Obi’s allegations as unfortunate and misleading. In a statement he personally signed, the APC Chairman declared that Obi’s statements were pure mischief and outright falsehood, which would have been overlooked if it weren’t necessary to counter such unfounded claims. According to Ganduje, “By wrongfully asserting that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has severely defamed Morka and incited his online followers to issue death threats against Morka and his family.” He stressed that Obi, as a public figure, has a duty to deliver accurate and truthful information, noting that disseminating false information damages public trust. The APC National Chairman mentioned that Morka was merely fulfilling his role as the party’s National Publicity Secretary by holding opposition figures accountable for their claims, which is a normal aspect of a democracy. He continued, “Morka’s remarks during the interview were solely in answer to a question about ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.'” “His statement did not contain or imply a threat to Obi or anyone else.” Ganduje reiterated the significance of free speech, a “right safeguarded by Nigeria’s Constitution,” that extends to all Nigerians, including those in the ruling party. He urged Obi to avoid spreading misinformation and to embrace criticism as a fundamental part of democracy. “Does Mr. Obi anticipate that the APC will silently tolerate the opposition’s false claims without responding?” Ganduje raised questions and cautioned that the APC would respond to unfounded claims with factual information about the government led by Tinubu. He emphasized the party’s dedication to maintaining democratic values while ensuring that opposition figures are held accountable when needed.
