Alleged Threat: Peter Obi Has The Right To Criticize The Govt Without Fear Of Intimidation – CUPP

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has stated that the alleged attempt by the Federal Government to silence the opposition shows that democracy in Nigeria is in peril.

The group stated this while reacting to a claim by the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi that he was being threatened over his New Year message to Nigerians.

This comes after a recent statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka accusing  Peter Obi of “crossing the line” while warning the LP chieftain of consequences for his actions.

Reacting to the development in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Peter Ameh, CUPP noted that Morka’s statement was a disturbing development that undermines the principles of democracy and freedom of expression.

The statement read, “As a nation, we should be alarmed by such threats, which have no place in a democratic society. The implications of Morka’s statement are far-reaching, and it is essential that we condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.

“Peter Obi, as a prominent frontline opposition figure, has every right to express his views and criticize the government without fear of intimidation or retribution

“His New Year message, which apparently triggered Morka’s outburst, was a legitimate exercise of his freedom of speech. By speaking truth to power and highlighting the nation’s drift towards authoritarianism, Obi was performing a vital function that is essential to Nigeria’s democratic survival.

“Opposition figures like Obi play a crucial role in holding the government accountable, and their voices should be encouraged and protected, not silenced or intimidated.

“Morka’s statement, on the other hand, is a blatant attempt to silence Obi and stifle dissenting voices. By accusing Obi of ‘crossing the line,’ Morka is implying that there are certain topics or criticisms that are off-limits, even for opposition figures.

“This is a dangerous precedent that undermines the principles of free speech and democratic accountability. In a democratic society, there should be no ‘lines’ that cannot be crossed, no topics that are off-limits for discussion or criticism. The moment we start to impose such limits, we begin to erode the very foundations of democracy.

“Furthermore, Morka’s warning of consequences against Obi is a thinly veiled threat that has no place in a democratic society.

“Such language is reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, where dissenting voices are silenced through intimidation and coercion.

“The implications of Morka’s statement go beyond the immediate threat to Peter Obi. They have far-reaching consequences for the entire democratic process in Nigeria.

“The stark irony of the situation is palpable — if the All Progressives Congress (APC) had faced threats and intimidation during its time as an opposition party, it’s likely that the party wouldn’t have ascended to power.

“Felix Morka’s statement against Peter Obi is a condemnable act that undermines the principles of democracy and freedom of expression. We should all stand in solidarity with Obi and reject such attempts to silence dissenting voices.”