Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has raised concerns about threats against his life and family following his critical remarks on Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement shared on his verified Twitter account on Monday, January 6, 2025, Obi disclosed that his New Year message criticizing the state of the nation has provoked strong reactions, including threats. He stated that he has received numerous alarming messages targeting his life and those around him.
In his New Year message, Obi lamented the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, despite claims of progress by the Federal Government. He described the country as one of the global poverty capitals and highlighted its insecurity issues, pointing to widespread displacement caused by banditry and terrorism.
Obi also directed sharp criticism at President Bola Tinubu, urging him to conduct medical check-ups locally instead of traveling abroad. “Mr President, out of the approximately 580 days you have been in office, it is reported that you have spent over 30%, or around 180 days, on more than 30 publicly recorded overseas trips,” he said.
Reacting to Obi’s comments, Felix Morka, spokesperson for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accused him of crossing boundaries. “Peter Obi is really crossing the line. The campaigns are over; he needs to relax and allow his lawyers to handle his case at the tribunal,” Morka said in an interview on Arise Television.
Obi, however, defended his statements, resharing the video of his New Year address and asking Nigerians to point out where he had crossed any lines.
He wrote: “Have I really crossed the line? 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 warned that I will face the consequences. I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch it.
“If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum.”
He, however, maintained that the threats against his life would not deter him from speaking truthfully about Nigeria, adding that the country is “increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed.”
