By Joy Odor
The National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has described as a malicious lie, sheer mischief and outright falsehood claim attributed to Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, alleging threats to his life.
He also described the claim as unfortunate and misleading in a press statement personally signed by him, saying it would have been ignored if not for the need to refute such a baseless narrative.
The APC National Chairman 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.
Ganduje informed that Obi’s accusations stem from a misrepresentation of remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, during an interview on Arise TV’s ThisDay Live on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
He stated unequivocally that at no point did Morka threaten Obi or his family.
“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.
“By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Obi has libeled Morka in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family,” Ganduje said.
He emphasized that as a public figure, Mr. Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information, adding that spreading falsehood undermines public trust.
Ganduje noted that Morka was simply discharging his duties as the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, holding opposition actors accountable for their statements, as is expected in a democratic setting.
The APC Chairman 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 Obi to refrain from misinformation and to accept criticism as part of the democratic process.
“Does Mr. Obi expects the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried, stressing that the APC will continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu led government.
He reiterated the APC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles while holding opposition actors accountable when necessary.
Ganduje said the party stands by the position of the National Publicity Secretary Mr Morka in his effort to defend the federal government and set the records straight against disinformation by desperate politicians.
