Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 elections, strongly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for comments made by its Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, about Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Atiku condemned the remarks as a troubling sign of the ruling party’s increasing authoritarian tendencies.
In a statement posted on X platform Tuesday, Atiku responded to Morka’s accusation that Obi had “crossed the line” in his political engagements, calling such language undemocratic and alarming.
“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 said.
He stressed that Morka’s comments were indicative of a deep disregard for democratic principles and the values of constructive dialogue, especially in a pluralistic society.
Atiku explained that the phrase “crossed the line” suggests an authoritarian mindset, where dissenting voices are seen as threats to be silenced, rather than as essential 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,” Atiku added.
“Peter Obi, like any opposition leader, has the right to advocate for accountability and good governance without being subjected to threats or ridicule,” Atiku continued.
The PDP leader also condemned Morka’s disparaging remarks about Obi’s calls for dialogue, which the APC spokesperson dismissed as akin to “a lawless Wild West scenario.”
Atiku further expressed concern over the detention of Mahdi Shehu, a vocal critic of the current administration, who has been held without clear justification.
He warned that this was part of a broader “pattern of silencing dissenting voices.”
“The prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu and others is a glaring example of the administration’s disregard for fundamental freedoms,” Atiku 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,” he continued.
Atiku also demanded clarification from the APC on Morka’s veiled threat, which suggested that Obi “must be ready for whatever comes his way.”
He called for an immediate retraction of this inflammatory rhetoric and an apology to Obi and the Nigerian people.
“Such a chilling insinuation demands an immediate explanation.
The ruling party must demonstrate its commitment to democracy by retracting this rhetoric and apologizing to Peter Obi and the Nigerian people,” Atiku stated.
His remarks were echoed by civil society groups and other stakeholders, who have condemned the APC’s approach to handling dissent.
Many are calling for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to adopt a more inclusive and tolerant stance toward opposition figures.
“It is now time for all men and women of goodwill to intervene,” Atiku urged.
“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,” he said.
The conflict began on Monday following a heated exchange between the APC and supporters of Obi.
The war of words stemmed from an interview on Arise Television, where Morka claimed that Obi had “crossed the line” in his criticisms of President Tinubu’s government, and insinuated that Obi’s actions were an attempt to incite Nigerians against the current administration.
Morka ended his remarks with a subtle threat, stating that “he has coming to him whatever he gets.”
