Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned recent inflammatory remarks made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, against Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. Atiku described the statements, including a claim that Obi had “crossed the line,” as a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s democratic principles.
In a tweet on his X handle @Atiku, Atiku highlighted the worrisome implications of Morka’s comments, emphasizing that they reflect a broader pattern of authoritarian tendencies by the current administration. He criticized the use of threatening language against Obi, arguing that it undermines the essential democratic values of free speech and constructive opposition.
“What, exactly, does Mr. Morka imply by stating that Obi must ‘be ready for whatever comes his way’? Such remarks are not only irresponsible but also pose a direct threat to the foundation of civil discourse in a democracy,” Atiku queried.
The former vice president also called attention to the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent critic of the government, as well as other dissenting voices. He noted that these actions signal a troubling shift toward authoritarian governance, where opposition voices are systematically stifled.
Atiku urged the APC to apologize for the “reckless and derogatory expressions” directed at Obi and the broader opposition. “It is imperative for the ruling party to respect democratic norms and recognize the role of opposition in promoting accountability and good governance,” he stated.
He further called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to recalibrate its approach to dealing with dissent, warning that the suppression of critical voices could erode the nation’s democratic foundations. “A true democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, not threats and vilification,” he said.
The statement has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians echoing Atiku’s concerns about the growing intolerance for dissent under the current government.
