Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), has reported receiving over 400 threats, including 200 death threats, following his remarks about Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election.
The controversy began after Morka’s interview on Arise Television, where he criticized Obi’s comments on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that Obi had “crossed the line” and “deserved whatever came his way.” Obi responded by expressing concerns over perceived threats to his life, which he attributed to Morka’s statements.
In response to Obi’s allegations, Morka stated that his words were misinterpreted and that he did not intend to threaten Obi. He emphasized that his comments were strictly in response to a question referencing “prophets of doom” and “voodoo economics,” and did not constitute a threat to anyone.
The situation escalated as Morka reported receiving numerous threats, which he claims were incited by Obi’s reaction to his interview. He expressed concern for his safety and that of his family, highlighting the serious consequences of the misinterpretation of his remarks.
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has backed Morka, describing Obi’s claims as misleading and an act of emotional blackmail meant to draw public sympathy. Ganduje stated that at no point in the interview did Morka threaten Obi or his family, and accused Obi of inciting his supporters against Morka.
The exchange between Morka and Obi has sparked a broader debate on the responsibilities of political figures in their public statements and the potential consequences of their words in Nigeria’s charged political environment.
