Ganduje to Obi: Stop Seeking Attention Over False Claims of Threats

Abdullahi Ganduje, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed claims made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, that his life is under threat. Ganduje described Obi’s allegations as an attempt to garner attention and play the victim.

The APC chairman issued the statement in defense of Felix Morka, the party’s spokesperson, whom Obi accused of threatening his life. Ganduje insisted that Morka never threatened Obi or his family, calling the claims a “malicious lie.”

The controversy began after Obi, in his New Year message, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of fostering institutional corruption, mismanagement, and worsening poverty. He expressed concerns over Nigeria’s escalating debt profile and alleged nepotism under Tinubu’s leadership. In response, Morka labeled Obi a “prophet of doom,” stating that he had repeatedly crossed the line and could face consequences for his actions.

Obi subsequently alleged that Morka’s remarks constituted a threat to his life. He publicly questioned whether his New Year message warranted such a response and warned of the implications of the alleged threats.

However, Morka denied Obi’s accusations, warning the former Anambra governor to desist from spreading falsehoods. Ganduje further backed Morka, accusing Obi of inciting his supporters to issue death threats against the APC spokesperson.

In a statement, Ganduje reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to defending Tinubu’s administration against what he described as disinformation by desperate politicians. He asserted that Obi’s claims of threats were unfounded and aimed at emotional blackmail.

“By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libelled Morka in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family,” Ganduje said. He emphasized that Morka’s comments were taken out of context and were a response to questions about Obi’s economic criticisms.

Ganduje also questioned whether Obi expected the APC to remain silent in the face of opposition rhetoric, reiterating the ruling party’s resolve to counter any falsehoods.