Following the reported attack on the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has said that democracy in the country is in peril.

The Coalition also alleged an attempt by the ruling party to silence opposition.

A recent statement by Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, has raised dust within the opposition.

During an interview on Arise, Morka accused Peter Obi of “crossing the line” while warning the LP chieftain of the consequences for his actions.

The Obidient Movement has since expressed concern over the comment, which it described as a reckless attack on Peter Obi.

This was after the Labour Party chieftain cried out, alleging threats to his life following his New Year message to Nigerians.

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

“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,” the statement said.

“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.”

This is dangerous’ – CUPP reacts to APC’s ‘crossing the line’ comment against Peter Obi