APC’s Threat to Peter Obi Shows Nigeria Heading Toward Authoritarian Regime Under Tinubu- Atiku

The People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned that the All Progressive Congress (APC) threat to his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, indicated that the country is heading towards authoritarian regime.

Atiku issued the warning in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.

The former Vice President, in reaction to the threat made against Obi by APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, held that the development signalled a worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model under President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that Morka had at a recent interview said that Obi had “crossed the line” and must “be ready for whatever comes his way”following his advice to Tinubu.

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Atiku labelled the statement as an inflammatory remark, stressing that the choice of words used by the APC’s spokesperson reveals an alarming disdain for democratic principles.

He also cited the prolonged detention of political critic, Mahdi Shehu, as another evidence of the APC-led administration’s authoritarian tendency.

Atiku maintained that it is the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen attentively to the voices of its critics and engage in meaningful dialogue.

He urged the Tinubu’s administration to recalibrate its approach to dealing with dissent and opposition

“The inflammatory remarks issued by the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, directed at PeterObi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, serve as a disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures.

“This threat against Obi, coupled with the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent voice of dissent and others, signals a worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model, where the rights of opposition voices are being suffocated.

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

“A true democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas, where the criticisms and contributions of opposition leaders, like Peter Obi, are seen as vital for the betterment of governance and the promotion of public accountability.

“It is not merely the right, but the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen attentively to the voices of its critics, to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to allow space for the articulation of alternative viewpoints.

“Instead, we are faced with a chilling threat that suggests Obi must “be ready for whatever comes his way.” What, exactly, does Mr. Morka imply by this? It is imperative that the ruling party provides clarity on this disturbing insinuation.

“Equally troubling is the crude and disparaging manner in which the APC spokesperson has framed Peter Obi’s calls for constructive engagement, likening them to a lawless Wild West scenario. Such reckless and derogatory expressions cannot be tolerated, and it is incumbent upon the APC to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian people for such disgraceful language.

“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.

“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.

“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.” Atiku wrote.