The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde of inciting violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the governor as “unworthy” of the exalted seat.
While addressing a summit of opposition political parties in Ibadan Saturday, April 25, 2026, Governor Makinde had raised concerns over growing efforts to consolidate legislative control under one party as opposition parties contend with internal crises and legal battles.
Makinde had said: “For those that are carrying on as if there’s no tomorrow, they should remember that“Operation Wetie” started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West.”
“Operation Wetie” is a parlance that references a period of grave political violence which almost consumed Nigeria’s western region, particularly Ibadan, in the mid-1960s.
Interpreted in Yoruba to mean ‘wet him’, the mode of execution was setting ablaze political opponents, their belongings such as houses and vehicles during the period in reference.
The violence erupted in 1965 over disputed elections in the region.
….APC cautions
Reacting to the reported comments by Governor Makinde through a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, Sunday in Abuja, APC described such statements as “reckless, and a clear and present threat to peace and national security.”
The party said “it is particularly disturbing for a sitting Governor who bears constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of his state to conjure up one of the darkest episodes of political violence in Nigeria’s history to threaten violence against the people and government of Nigeria.”
Morka said: “By his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies.
“Makinde’s violent rhetoric cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing. His statement risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability. We therefore call on all relevant security and intelligence agencies to take this unfortunate development seriously and act to safeguard lives, property, and defend Nigeria’s democratic order.
“Makinde must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security. No individual, however highly placed, should have the power to threaten or endanger the lives and safety of Nigerians or upend the country’s hard-won democratic governance under the guise of political commentary.”
The APC also rejected attempts by opposition leaders to frame their internal crisis as an attempt to force a one-party domination in Nigeria.
“The opposition parties are victims of self-inflicted injuries arising from anti-democratic practices, miserably poor leadership, internal contradictions, utter disregard for due process and the rule of law, persistent factionalization, and the desperate and dissonant presidential ambitions of their leaders.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was destroyed by Atiku Abubakar’s ruthless confiscation of the PDP’s 2023 presidential ticket in violation of the party’s constitutionally entrenched rotational zoning formula.
“The Labour Party (LP) was effectively subverted by the restless nomadic disposition of its 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, permanently swinging from one party to another in search of free and uncontested presidential ticket.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC), so-called coalition platform, was basically stillborn, strangled by the reckless robbery of that party’s leadership by the same band of marauding opposition figures, never willing to remain and build their parties but always quick to use the revolving door on to the next available party. They have left nothing but desolation in opposition trail.
“At the APC, we are confident that Nigerians are discerning and recognize that a party so grossly unable to manage its own internal affairs cannot be entrusted with the governance of Africa’s most populous and important country. These opposition leaders and their coalition of confusion have not put anything forward by way of an alternative vision for Nigeria’s development. All they have in their arsenal is fear mongering built on false narratives about the APC,” it said.
Morka added: “Our great Party rejects the veiled expectation of opposition leaders that the APC would help them manage their internal affairs. We bear no such duty and will not provide any such leadership consulting services to them. And we will not yield to blackmail to abdicate our duty to our Party to plan, organize and mobilize to compete effectively in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
“Our democracy is founded on the idea of competing visions of governance and development. Their failure to articulate any alternative vision or policy framework to the visionary and transformative policies of the APC-led administration is on them, and Nigerians are justified in rejecting their gangster antics designed to threaten their way to electoral victory.
“Nigeria’s democratic space remains as robust as can be. With nearly two dozen parties registered and participating freely in the country’s electoral process, the opposition’s unjustifiable attacks on our great Party, and their threats of violence is nothing but primitive capitulation, an admission of incompetence, and a peremptory alibi for what is looking to be a fantastic rebuke at the hands of the Nigerian electorate come 2027.
“Our great party, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the peace, unity, and prosperity of all Nigerians.”
…PDP too
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also lashed at Governor Makinde, describing his comments were not only inciting and disgraceful but could also threaten national cohesion.
The PDP, in a statement its spokesman, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, emphatically said violence has absolutely no place in the nation’s political space.
The party noted further that without a peaceful and stable nation, no political system or democratic process can thrive, adding: “Nigeria must come first, before politics and before personal ambitions.”
It reads further: “The PDP therefore calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to unite in rejecting any rhetoric or action that could incite unrest or threaten national cohesion.
“Our shared history reminds us of the cost of division, and we must remain vigilant in safeguarding the peace we have worked hard to build.
“We further urge security and law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties with diligence and professionalism by reviewing the circumstances surrounding these reports and also ensure that all relevant individuals are available to respond to lawful inquiries no matter how highly placed.”
The party stated further that it remained committed to fostering a political culture rooted in dialogue, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law.
“Our nation’s future rests on our shared commitment to put the country first, above any individual interest,” the statement added.
