
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) against attempting to intimidate Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, or his family and associates.
Tanko’s remarks came in response to an alleged threat made by APC Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who had made controversial statements regarding Obi.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, Tanko emphasized that any such intimidation or threat should not go unaddressed, warning that it could backfire on the government of President Bola Tinubu.
“This is a threat,” Tanko declared, adding, “If they make the move (to arrest Obi), it will boomerang on their government. In a democratic setting, Obi did not in any way impugn anybody’s integrity, nor did he cross any line. We are not making any false allegations.” He further pointed out that the Obidient Movement would not be silenced by intimidation, calling on the APC to take responsibility and ensure that their spokesperson’s actions were properly addressed.
Tanko also urged the Nigerian security agencies to thoroughly investigate Morka’s remarks, warning that threats like these could escalate tensions in the country. He stressed that any move to suppress Peter Obi or his supporters would be met with a strong reaction from the Nigerian people, particularly as the country faces important issues related to governance and accountability.
“If they threaten anybody with some level of impunity, believe me, the Nigerian people will react negatively to them,” Tanko asserted. “They must learn to accept it. If they have a counter-allegation to the issues we are raising, they should be provided with facts.”
The Obidient Movement leader further called for the ruling party to refrain from using threats and intimidation in the political discourse, urging them to foster a political environment where democratic values, freedom of speech, and criticism are encouraged.
“We stand firmly with Peter Obi and his vision for a just, equitable and prosperous Nigeria. We call on Nigerians to resist this slide into authoritarianism by continuing to demand accountability, justice, and the protection of democratic values,” Tanko said.
He concluded by urging the government to be tolerant of criticism, emphasizing that criticism is an essential part of a healthy democracy and should not be stifled. “Criticising them is a way of uplifting the standards of our democracy. We Nigerians have the right as covered under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to speak to issues.”
The Obidient Movement’s strong statement underlines the growing tension between the opposition and the ruling party as political rhetoric intensifies.