Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized the remarks made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, against Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Atiku described Morka’s comments as a troubling indicator of the ruling party’s drift towards authoritarianism, emphasizing that such rhetoric undermines democratic principles and stifles meaningful political dialogue.
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“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 stated in a post on X on Tuesday.
He further criticized Morka’s choice of words, particularly the phrase ‘crossed the line,’ describing it as “not just undemocratic but also alarming.” Atiku argued that dissenting voices are essential in any democracy and attempts to suppress them weaken public trust in 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,” he added.
Atiku also expressed concern over the prolonged detention of vocal government critic Mahdi Shehu, describing it as part of a “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.
He urged the APC to clarify Morka’s statement, particularly the veiled threat that Obi “must be ready for whatever comes his way.”
“Such a chilling insinuation demands an immediate explanation. The ruling party must demonstrate its commitment to democracy by retracting this inflammatory rhetoric and apologizing to Peter Obi and the Nigerian people,” Atiku said.
He called on civil society groups and other stakeholders to intervene, stressing the need for an inclusive and tolerant approach to opposition voices.
“It is now time for all men and women of goodwill to intervene. 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,” Atiku added.
The verbal exchange followed an interview on Arise Television where Morka accused Obi of attempting to incite Nigerians against the government, warning that the former Anambra governor “has coming to him whatever he gets.”
