The National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mary Alile, has condemned claims by the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi that his life is being threatened.
Recall that Obi had made the allegation after the APC spokesman, Felix Morka accused him of crossing the line in his New Year message to Nigerians.
However, taking sides with Morka, Alile described Obi’s claims as inflammatory and baseless.
She shared her reservation in a strongly worded statement signed personally by her on Tuesday.
She argued that APC and its leadership have always upheld the principles of democracy, free speech, and constructive criticism.
The women’s leader accused Obi of deliberately misrepresenting Morka’s remarks and wondered why he is quick to escalate political commentary into a fabricated security concern.
The statement reads in part: “As the APC National Women Leader, I stand firmly with Felix Morka, our National Publicity Secretary, whose statements have been unjustly twisted to suit Mr. Obi’s narrative of victimhood.
“Mr. Obi’s allegations that Morka threatened his life and family are baseless, inflammatory, and an attempt to distract Nigerians from his own political shortcomings.
“Felix Morka’s response to Obi’s New Year address was a straightforward and well-articulated rebuttal of the misleading and often divisive rhetoric that Obi continues to propagate. It is disappointing that instead of engaging in mature political discourse, Obi has chosen to cry wolf, fabricating threats where none exist.”
On why Obi’s claim holds no water, the Women Leader stated that Morka’s comments were public and clear, devoid of any language that could be interpreted as a threat.
“Nigerians deserve better than calculated attempts to undermine public officials for cheap political sympathy,” she said.
She added that the APC under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast in upholding the tenets of democracy, and that Morka’s remarks aligned with her party’s commitment to addressing misinformation and setting the record straight.
“Mr. Obi’s recent statements are a distraction from his inability to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress. Rather than address the glaring lack of structure and cohesion within his party, Obi chooses to deflect attention by targeting APC officials who diligently defend the truth.
“We urge Nigerians to remain focused on the nation’s developmental goals under the progressive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The APC will not be deterred by opposition antics designed to derail our mission.
“Let it be clear that Felix Morka spoke on behalf of millions of Nigerians who are tired of baseless criticism and are ready to move forward under a government committed to action and results.
“I, Dr. Mrs. Mary Idele Alile, unequivocally support Felix Morka and denounce the desperate attempts to silence voices of truth within our party,” she noted.
