The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has described as unfortunate and misleading
claims by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, alleging threats to his life.
Ganduje in a statement personally signed by him 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.”
He expressed displeasure over the claim shared on Mr. Obi’s verified official X (formerly Twitter) account, labelling it as a malicious lie aimed at seeking attention and playing the victim for emotional blackmail.
Ganduje also explained that Obi’s accusations stem from a misrepresentation of remarks made by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, during an interview on Arise TV’s ThisDay Live on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
He stated unequivocally that at no point did Morka threaten Obi or his family.
Ganduje said, “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.”
He emphasized that as a public figure, Obi has a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information, adding that “spreading falsehood undermines public trust.”
Ganduje said that Morka was simply discharging his duties as the National Publicity Secretary 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.
The APC Chairman also 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.
He therefore called on 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 stated that the party stands by the position of Morka in his effort to defend the Federal Government and set the records straight against disinformation by desperate politicians.
Ganduje reiterated the APC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles while holding opposition actors accountable when necessary.