Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has alleged threats to his life after his New Year message criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a post shared on his official X handle, Obi disclosed that his bold remarks on the nation’s political, economic, and security crises have drawn a barrage of hostile messages, including direct threats against his family and associates.
The controversy intensified following a statement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) national spokesperson, Felix Morka. Morka, in a recent interview, was quoted as saying, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him, whatever he gets.” This remark has sparked widespread concern and condemnation over its undertones.
In his New Year press conference on Thursday, Obi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s state, highlighting the deepening challenges under the Tinubu-led administration. He accused the government of masking the harsh realities with unfounded claims of progress.
“Our national challenges are visibly worsening. Our nation and its fortunes are in clear reverse. The indices are clearly indicative of our decline; thus, our national indices tell a disconcerting story,” Obi stated.
He provided a startling analysis of the country’s economic collapse, noting that Nigeria has regressed from being Africa’s largest economy in 2014, with a GDP of $574 billion and a per capita income of $3,500, to its current position as the fourth-largest economy on the continent. According to Obi, the nation’s GDP has plummeted to less than $200 billion, with a per capita income of barely $1,000.
“Nigeria remains one of the poverty capitals of the world,” he added, “with over 100 million people living in extreme poverty and more than 150 million experiencing multidimensional poverty. The situation has deteriorated significantly over the past 18 months under the current administration.”
Reacting to Morka’s statement and the subsequent threats, Obi posed a pointed question to his critics on his X handle: “I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of ‘crossing the line’ and has warned that I will face the consequences.”
The former Anambra State governor challenged anyone accusing him of “crossing the line” to specifically highlight where he erred. “If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum. However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices,” he asserted.
Obi expressed his grave concern about the erosion of democracy in Nigeria, decrying what he described as the country’s steady transformation into an authoritarian and repressive regime. “We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed. May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children,” he concluded.
The statement has drawn mixed reactions, with many Nigerians rallying behind Obi and condemning what they see as attempts to stifle dissent and free speech. Meanwhile, civil society organizations have called on the government to investigate the threats against the former presidential candidate and ensure his safety, warning that the situation reflects poorly on the state of democracy in the country.
As the dust continues to settle on Obi’s New Year message, one thing remains clear: the discourse has ignited a crucial conversation about freedom of speech, governance, and the role of dissent in a democratic society. The coming days will reveal how the government and stakeholders respond to these mounting concerns.
PIONEER NEWS 