Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has raised concerns about threats to his life following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his New Year’s message.
Obi’s allegations came after a recent statement by the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, who was quoted in an interview saying, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and whatever happens to him, he has it coming.”
During his New Year press conference on Thursday, Obi lamented the worsening political, economic, security, and healthcare situations in Nigeria, despite government claims of improvement. He expressed grave concern about the nation’s decline in various sectors.
“The challenges facing our nation are visibly worsening. Our country and its fortunes are in clear reverse. The indices are unmistakably indicative of our decline,” Obi said. He further highlighted that Nigeria remains one of the world’s poverty capitals, with over 100 million people living in extreme poverty and more than 150 million in multidimensional poverty.
Obi also noted the significant economic decline, stating, “We have fallen from being Africa’s largest economy, with a GDP of $574 billion and a per capita income of over $3,500 in 2014, to now ranking fourth on the continent. Our current GDP is less than 50% of what it was a decade ago, standing at approximately $200 billion, with a per capita income of barely $1,000.”
Reacting to Morka’s comments on Monday via his X handle, Obi questioned if he had truly “crossed the line,” given the threats he has received against his life, family, and associates following his message. He challenged those who believe he crossed the line to point out where, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining decorum.
“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 warned that I will face the consequences,” Obi wrote.
He added, “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.”
Obi concluded his post by warning of the country’s shift towards authoritarianism, where freedom of expression is increasingly being suppressed, and called for a better and freer society for future generations. “May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children,” he said.
Have I really crossed the line?
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) January 6, 2025
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…
