Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for inflammatory comments directed at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate. Atiku described the statements as emblematic of an alarming trend by the current administration to suppress opposition voices.
The PDP leader expressed concern over Morka’s remarks, particularly the suggestion that Obi had “crossed the line,” which Atiku interpreted as a chilling attack on democratic norms. He noted that such language reflects hostility toward opposition figures and a disregard for civil discourse, critical elements in any functioning democracy.
Atiku emphasized that opposition leaders are vital for holding governments accountable and fostering progress. He urged the APC to issue a formal apology to Peter Obi and the Nigerian public, condemning the Publicity Secretary’s portrayal of Obi’s calls for constructive engagement as akin to lawlessness. He also criticized the APC’s framing of opposition voices as irritants, calling the rhetoric “crude and unbecoming of a ruling party.”
Adding to his critique, Atiku highlighted the ongoing detention of Mahdi Shehu, a vocal government critic, and others who have been silenced without clear justification. He described these actions as a move toward authoritarianism, eroding fundamental freedoms and threatening Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
Atiku warned that the administration’s approach to dissent risks undermining the principles of free speech and opposition rights, cornerstones of any democracy. He urged Nigerians and the international community to demand an end to these practices, calling for dialogue, engagement, and respect for dissenting opinions.
Concluding, the former Vice President stressed that if any line has been crossed, it is by the Tinubu administration, which he accused of vilifying opposition figures and setting a dangerous precedent. He called for a recalibration of the government’s approach, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic principles to ensure the survival and growth of Nigeria’s democracy.
