In a startling revelation, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday to express concerns over threats to his life, his family, and associates following his New Year message.
The former Anambra State governor shared that his message, which he claims was meant to inspire reflection and hope for the nation, has drawn backlash, including accusations from Felix Morka, who alleged that Obi had “crossed the line” and warned of dire consequences.
“Have I really crossed the line?” Obi questioned in his post.
“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.”
Obi further invited Nigerians to watch his New Year message on YouTube, insisting that he remains committed to speaking truthfully and decorously, even as the country faces what he described as growing authoritarianism.
“We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed,” he wrote.
The New Year message in question appears to have struck a nerve among certain political figures and factions, prompting concerns about the shrinking space for free speech and the safety of opposition voices in Nigeria.
Obi’s statement comes amid heightened political tension in the country, with critics alleging a clampdown on dissenting opinions.
As one of the leading opposition figures in Nigeria, Obi has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the state of governance and the erosion of democratic norms.
The Labour Party has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, while Nigerians on social media have rallied around Obi, calling for accountability and protection for the former presidential candidate.
This development raises pressing questions about the state of democracy in Nigeria and the lengths to which dissenting voices can safely engage in public discourse.
Obi’s closing plea in his message, “May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children,” resonates as a somber reminder of the stakes involved in the fight for Nigeria’s democratic future.