Atiku condemns APC’s “threat” to Peter Obi, warns of growing authoritarianism

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, has expressed concern over what he describes as an authoritarian approach to dissent by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku’s remarks come in response to recent comments made by Felix Morka, the APC publicity secretary, and the detention of prominent opposition figures, including Mahdi Shehu.

The former vice president labelled Morka’s statement about Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, as “inflammatory” and indicative of the current administration’s hostility toward opposition voices.

Morka had accused Obi of having “crossed the line” and warned that he should “be ready for whatever comes his way.”

Obi, on Monday, raised alarm over an alleged threat to his life following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his New Year message.

Atiku, in a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, described these remarks as dangerous and a threat to democratic values, calling on the APC to clarify its stance.

“The choice of words used by the APC’s spokesperson, particularly the ominous suggestion that Obi has ‘crossed the line,’ reveals an alarming disdain for democratic principles,” Atiku said.

“Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme.”

Atiku emphasised that democracy thrives on constructive engagement and dialogue, where the contributions of opposition leaders like Obi are essential for governance and accountability.

He criticised the APC’s framing of Obi’s calls for constructive engagement, describing Morka’s remarks as “reckless and derogatory.” He also called for a public apology to Obi and the Nigerian people.

Atiku further condemned the detention of Mahdi Shehu, a critic of the government, highlighting concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Nigeria.

“The case of Mallam Shehu, languishing in detention without any clear explanation for his continued imprisonment, adds to the growing concern about the erosion of freedoms in Nigeria,” he said.

Shehu was recently arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) and remanded by the court for spreading fake news and inciting the public on social media.

The PDP candidate accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of vilifying opposition figures and creating a dangerous precedent by stifling dissent.

“If there is anyone who has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu administration, whose continuous vilification of opposition figures as mere irritants to be crushed is a dangerous precedent,” Atiku said.

Calling for urgent intervention, Atiku appealed to Nigerians and the international community to hold the Tinubu administration accountable.

“It is now time for all men and women of goodwill to intervene, urging the @officialABAT government to recalibrate its approach to dealing with dissent and opposition. The time has come to put an end to this stifling of voices that are crucial to the health of any functioning democracy,” he added.