Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has hit back at Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, over allegations of death threats against APC spokesman Felix Morka.
Ganduje slammed Obi for what he called a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts, accusing him of inciting his followers to issue death threats against Morka. This came after Obi claimed that Morka had threatened his life following a New Year’s Day interview in which he criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Obi contended that Morka’s comments, which included saying, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and he has what’s coming to him,” amounted to a direct threat.
In response, Morka denied any such threat, clarifying that Obi had misquoted him and distorted his words. He called for the record to be set straight and insisted that his remarks were taken out of context.
However, Ganduje condemned Obi’s accusations, calling them “sheer mischief” and “outright falsehoods.” In a statement he personally signed, the APC chairman stated that Obi’s actions were not only misleading but also dangerous. He argued that Obi’s false claims had stirred up online hostility, inciting threats against Morka and his family.
“By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libeled Morka in the extreme,” Ganduje said, stressing the importance of providing truthful information as a public figure. He reminded Obi that spreading falsehoods undermines the public’s trust in democratic processes.
Ganduje further defended Morka, explaining that his remarks were simply in response to a question about opposition claims. The APC National Chairman pointed out that Morka was fulfilling his duty as the party’s spokesman by holding opposition figures accountable for their statements.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for free speech and the democratic principle of allowing criticism, while calling on Obi to refrain from spreading misinformation. Ganduje reiterated that the APC would continue to respond to false allegations with the facts and remain committed to upholding democratic values.