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Atiku demands apology from APC Following Morka’s Threats To Peter Obi
Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed strong disapproval of a perceived threat to the life of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
Atiku described Morka’s comments as emblematic of a troubling drift toward authoritarianism under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Morka, in an interview on Saturday, accused Obi of spreading misinformation and warned that the former Anambra State governor had “crossed the line.” In response, Atiku, via a statement on Tuesday, decried the APC-led government’s alleged attacks on opposition voices, describing such actions as a serious affront to democracy.
In his statement, Atiku expressed concern over what he described as the APC’s growing intolerance toward dissenting opinions. He linked Morka’s remarks to a broader trend of suppressing opposition, citing the continued detention of government critics like Mahdi Shehu as further evidence.
“The inflammatory remarks issued by Felix Morka directed at Peter Obi serve as a disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures. This threat, coupled with the prolonged detention of voices like Mahdi Shehu, signals a worrisome shift towards authoritarian governance, where the rights of opposition figures are being stifled,” Atiku stated.
He criticized Morka’s warning that Obi should “be ready for whatever comes his way,” calling it an alarming affront to democratic values. Atiku emphasized that in a democracy, opposition voices are not only essential but should be welcomed as part of a healthy political discourse.
Atiku demanded that the APC and Morka clarify the intent behind the threatening remarks and issue a public apology to Peter Obi. He stressed that such inflammatory language undermines civil discourse and sets a dangerous precedent for governance.
“It is not merely the right, but the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen to its critics, engage in dialogue, and allow space for alternative viewpoints,” Atiku stated. “Instead, we are faced with a chilling threat. What exactly does Mr. Morka imply by saying Obi has ‘crossed the line’? The APC must clarify this disturbing insinuation.”
The former PDP presidential candidate also criticized Morka for comparing Obi’s statements on national hardship to a “Wild West scenario,” asserting that Obi’s comments merely reflected the daily struggles of Nigerians under the current administration.
Atiku reiterated that free speech and open dialogue are cornerstones of democracy and urged the APC to embrace constructive criticism rather than resorting to threats.
“The APC must reflect on its responsibility to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the voices of opposition leaders like Peter Obi are not suppressed but respected as a vital part of governance and public accountability,” Atiku concluded.
This incident highlights growing tensions between the ruling party and opposition figures, raising questions about the state of free speech and democratic engagement in Nigeria.
Elder statesman, Olorogun Morrison Olori, has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding political leadership in the South-South region and his strategic role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Olori, an octogenarian and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly praised Wike for his transformative work as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement made during a public policy dialogue in Abuja, Olorogun Olori hailed Chief Wike as “a tireless bridge-builder and result-oriented leader who has brought stability and strategic political direction to the South-South and beyond.”
Chief Wike has not only strengthened the political base of the South-South region but has also become a key player in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through inclusive governance and infrastructural transformation,” Olori said.
Highlighting Wike’s impact as FCT Minister, Olori pointed to the minister’s record-setting performance in the signing of over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy, as well as his aggressive infrastructure renewal across the city, including road expansions, urban beautification, and housing developments. He described Wike’s efforts as “a masterclass in leadership and vision.”
“His work in Abuja has demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan—it is being implemented in concrete ways. He is delivering real, visible change,” Olori noted.
Olorogun Olori also emphasized Wike’s political courage in rallying support for national unity and economic revival, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone, where he continues to serve as a stabilizing force and a voice of progress.
“Wike has used his influence not for personal gain, but to elevate the South-South and to help President Tinubu consolidate the gains of this administration,” Olori added. “This kind of partnership between the presidency and regional leaders is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.”
Olori, however, urged other political leaders to emulate Wike’s commitment to excellence and patriotism, emphasizing that Nigeria needs more leaders who “serve with sincerity and deliver with impact.”
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has congratulated South Africa on the celebration of its 31st Freedom Day anniversary, marking more than three decades since the end of apartheid rule.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, extended warm greetings to his South African counterpart, His Excellency Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Ambassador Tuggar described the day as a reminder of the historic victory of democracy over apartheid and a celebration of the resilient and unified spirit that continues to shape South Africa’s journey.
“Nigeria and South Africa share a profound bond forged through decades of solidarity in the liberation struggle. As we reflect on this milestone, we recall Nigeria’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid movement, including diplomatic, material, and moral contributions that underscored our commitment to justice and the ethos of pan-Africanism,” the statement read.
Highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, Tuggar emphasized the shared responsibility Nigeria and South Africa have in promoting peace, security, and inclusive development across the African continent.
He noted that as Africa’s two largest economies and democracies, there is a need to strengthen collaboration in areas such as trade and investment through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as cultural exchanges and youth empowerment.
“Therefore, on this Freedom Day, we stand with South Africa in honouring the sacrifices of heroes like Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Thabo Mbeki and recommit to working together to realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa,” he added.
The Enugu Caucus in the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s plan to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, describing it as a potential catalyst for the Southeast economy.
The caucus commended the Federal Government for the initiative and urged it to hasten the process to enable the people of the Southeast and the nation to benefit from it in earnest.
It also called on the people of the region to support the concession as the only way to guarantee sustainable investment to fully develop the airport into a truly international facility.
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