The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed the threat alarm raised by Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing it as unfortunate and misleading claims.
Ganduje, in a statement he personally signed, emphasised that the claims was sheer mischief and outright falsehood, which would have been ignored if not for the need to refute such a baseless narrative.
The former Kano State governor also expressed displeasure over the claim shared on Mr. Obi’s verified official X (formerly Twitter) account, labeling it as a malicious lie aimed at seeking attention and playing the victim for emotional blackmail.
He further stated that Mr. Obi’s accusations stem from a misrepresentation of remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, during an interview on a television Live programme on January 4, 2025.
While stating unequivocally that at no point did Morka threaten Mr. Obi or his family, Ganduje noted: “By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libeled Morka in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family.”
He further emphasised that as a public figure, Mr. Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information, adding that spreading falsehood undermines public trust.
The ruling party boss also noted that Morka was simply discharging his duties as the spokesperson of the party, holding opposition actors accountable for their statements, as is expected in a democratic setting.
“Morka’s comments during the interview were strictly in response to a question referencing ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement constituted or suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else,” Ganduje clarified.
He underscored the importance of free speech, a right protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, which applies equally to all Nigerians, including members of the ruling party and therefore called on Mr. Obi to refrain from misinformation and to accept criticism as part of the democratic process.
“Does Mr. Obi expect the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried, emphasising that the APC will continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu-led government.
Ganduje stated that the party stands by the position of Mr Morka in his effort to defend the federal government and set the records straight against disinformation by desperate politicians.
H reiterated the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles while holding opposition actors accountable when necessary.
