Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has refuted allegations by former presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing them as “malicious lies” and an attempt to gain public sympathy through “emotional blackmail.”
The controversy erupted after Obi claimed on his official X handle that Morka had issued veiled threats against him and his family during a televised interview.
According to Obi, Morka’s comments on Arise TV’s THIS WEEK programme implied dire consequences for the former Anambra State governor following his New Year message, which had criticised the current administration.
Obi’s allegations were swiftly dismissed by Morka, who provided a verbatim transcript of the interview to dismantle what he described as a “patently false and reprehensible” narrative.
During the interview, Morka had described Obi’s political rhetoric as “irrational” and accused him of engaging in “voodoo economics” and inflammatory commentary.
While Morka acknowledged saying Obi had “crossed the line” and “has coming to him whatever he gets,” he clarified that the statement was in the context of political criticism, not a personal threat.
“Nothing in my statement constitutes or suggests a threat to Mr Obi or anyone,” Morka asserted. “This deliberate misrepresentation by Obi is a dangerous ploy to play the victim and incite public outrage against me.”
Morka went further, accusing Obi of perpetuating a culture of misinformation and hypocrisy.
He pointed out that the policies Obi had criticised the Tinubu administration for implementing—abolishing fuel subsidies, unifying the exchange rate, and boosting production over consumption—were the same reforms Obi had promised during his presidential campaign.
“Obi’s constant flip-flops demonstrate a disturbing lack of principled commitment,” Morka declared.
“By altering his stance to suit his political interests and the drumbeats of his vocal online supporters, he undermines his credibility and raises serious concerns about his leadership capabilities.”
Morka also took aim at Obi’s supporters, accusing them of orchestrating online harassment and issuing death threats against critics.
He lamented that Obi had not condemned these actions, implying tacit approval of the “restless band of online mobs” who attack dissenting voices.
“Obi must think himself to be Nigeria’s sacred cow—beyond reproach and always right,” Morka said.
“Nigeria deserves opposition leaders who uphold principle and engage in fact-based critiques, not barefaced indulgence in manipulative politics.”
Morka hinted at possible legal action, stating that Obi’s claims had damaged his reputation and endangered his family.
“By falsely accusing me of threatening his life, Mr Obi has libeled me in the extreme and incited his followers to issue threats against my family. This is unacceptable,” he warned.
Morka called on Obi to retract his statement, set the record straight, and rein in his supporters.
“The trust of the Nigerian people is sacred, and Obi’s tactics of deceit and manipulation must be called out. Accountability is a two-way street, and I stand ready to defend my integrity with every available recourse,” Morka concluded.
