Ganduje backs Morka, faults Obi’s claim on threat to life

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has thrown his weight behind the party’s spokesman, Mr. Felix Morka, on the faceoff between him and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi.

Ganduje, in a statement Wednesday, insisted that there is no iota of truth in the claims by Obi his life is being threatened over his scathing attack on the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

He described the claims as sheer mischief and outright falsehood, which would have been ignored if not for the need to refute such a baseless narrative.

The APC chief expressed displeasure over the claim shared on Mr. Obi’s verified official X account, labelling it a malicious lie aimed at seeking attention and playing the victim for emotional blackmail.

Ganduje stated that Obi’s accusations stem from a misrepresentation of remarks made by Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, during an interview on Arise TV’s ThisDay Live on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

He stated that at no point did Morka threaten Obi or his family.

Ganduje stated that the party stands by Morka in his effort to defend the federal government and set the records straight against disinformation by desperate politicians.

“By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr. Obi has libeled Morka in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family,” Ganduje said.

He emphasised that as a public figure, Mr. Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information, adding that spreading falsehood undermines public trust.

He noted that Morka was discharging his duties as spokesman of the APC, holding opposition actors accountable for their statements, as is expected in a democratic setting.

“Morka’s comments during the interview were strictly in response to a question referencing ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement constituted or suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else,” Ganduje clarified.

Ganduje underscored the importance of free speech, a right protected by Nigeria’s Constitution, which applies equally to all Nigerians, including members of the ruling party, and therefore called on Mr. Obi to refrain from misinformation and to accept criticism as part of the democratic process.

“Does Mr. Obi expect the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried, stressing that the APC will continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu-led government.”

Ganduje reiterated the APC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles while holding opposition actors accountable when necessary.