By Jude Opara
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 monitored in Abuja, 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 intimi
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