By Ayo Kehinde
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of making statements capable of inciting violence after he referenced the historical episode known as “Operation Wetie”, during an opposition political summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
National Publicity Secretary of the governing party, Felix Morka, on Sunday said, “Governor Makinde invoked the bloody history of ‘Operation Wetie’ to incite Nigerians to violence over his baseless and senseless allegation of the country’s descent into a one-party state.”
It described the governor’s remarks as “reckless” and warned that such rhetoric poses a direct threat to peace and national security.
“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.
The APC further stated that Makinde’s comments should not be dismissed as routine opposition rhetoric, adding: “His statement risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage, and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability.”
Calling for an institutional response, the party urged security agencies to act, stating: “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.”
The statement also raised the issue of accountability despite constitutional protections for elected officials.
“Makinde must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security,” the APC said, insisting that no individual should be allowed to endanger public safety under the guise of political expression.
Addressing the broader political context, the ruling party rejected claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system.
“The APC vehemently rejects attempts by confused opposition leaders to frame their internal shambles in alarmist narratives about so-called one-party domination,” Morka stated.
The party attributed challenges within opposition ranks to internal crises, alleging “anti-democratic practices, miserably poor leadership, internal contradictions, utter disregard for due process and the rule of law, persistent factionalization, and desperate presidential ambitions.”
It also took aim at key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, accusing them of contributing to instability within their respective political platforms.
On its own prospects, the APC expressed confidence in voter judgment ahead of the next general elections, stating: “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.”
Reaffirming its position on democratic competition, the party added: “Our democracy is founded on the idea of competing visions of governance and development,” while insisting that opposition groups have failed to present credible alternatives.
The APC reaffirmed its commitment under President Bola Tinubu to governance and democratic stability.
“Our great party… 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,”, it said.
As of press time, Governor Makinde had not publicly responded to the APC’s allegations.
