Abuja, January 6, 2025 – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned recent inflammatory remarks made by Felix Morka, the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), directed at Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election. In a statement issued on January 6, Atiku called the remarks a troubling indication of the current administration’s approach to handling opposition figures, signaling a shift towards authoritarian governance.
Atiku highlighted the disturbing nature of Morka’s comments, particularly the suggestion that Obi had “crossed the line” and must be prepared for “whatever comes his way.” According to Atiku, such language undermines the democratic process and stifles civil discourse, which is essential for any thriving democracy.
“This threat against Obi, coupled with the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent voice of dissent, marks a troubling turn towards authoritarianism in Nigeria,” Atiku stated. “A democracy must embrace criticism and the voices of opposition, but the current administration seems intent on silencing dissent rather than engaging with it.”
Atiku went on to criticize the APC’s spokesperson for using hostile language to dismiss Obi’s calls for constructive political engagement. He called for an immediate apology from the APC for its disparaging remarks. “The language used is not only crude but dangerous, and it has no place in a democracy where the rights of citizens to freely express their views should be protected.”
Atiku also expressed concern over the continued detention of Mallam Mahdi Shehu, who has been held without a clear explanation, underscoring the growing erosion of freedoms under the current administration. He reiterated his belief that the real threat to democracy comes from the government’s continued vilification of opposition figures and its disregard for fundamental democratic principles.
The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians and all men and women of goodwill to stand firm in urging the government to recalibrate its approach to handling dissent and opposition. “It is time to put an end to the silencing of voices that are crucial to the health of a functioning democracy,” Atiku emphasized.
Atiku’s remarks come at a time of increasing tension between the ruling APC and opposition parties, with fears growing that Nigeria’s democracy could be at risk if the current trends continue.
