The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, asserting that he is “unworthy of the office he occupies” for allegedly inciting violence during an opposition summit held in Ibadan. The statement, issued on Sunday, April 26, 2026, and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, condemned Makinde for invoking the violent history of “Operation Wetie” while addressing opposition leaders the previous day.
“Operation Wetie” refers to a bloody political crisis in Nigeria’s old Western Region during the 1960s, characterized by arson and mob violence. The APC argued that Makinde’s reference to this dark chapter was a deliberate attempt to threaten Nigerians over what he described as the country’s slide into a one-party state. The party emphasized that as the Chief Security Officer of Oyo State, Makinde bears a constitutional responsibility to maintain peace, not to evoke memories of past atrocities.
“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,” the statement read. The APC described Makinde’s remarks as reckless and a “clear and present threat to peace and national security,” warning that such rhetoric risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage, and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability.
The ruling party called on security and intelligence agencies to take the development seriously and act to safeguard lives and property while defending Nigeria’s democratic order. It further stressed that constitutional immunity does not amount to immunity from accountability for threats against national security. The APC dismissed the opposition’s concerns about a one-party state as “alarmist narratives” meant to cover their internal crises, blaming the opposition’s troubles on poor leadership, disregard for due process, factionalisation, and the personal ambitions of leaders like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
The APC expressed confidence that Nigerians will reject what it called the “gangster antics” of opposition leaders who have failed to present any credible alternative vision ahead of the 2027 elections. The party reaffirmed its commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthening democratic institutions and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the peace, unity, and prosperity of all Nigerians.
The opposition summit in Ibadan brought together several leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to strategise ahead of future polls. Governor Makinde had warned that “Operation Wetie started from Ibadan” and cautioned against actions that could lead to similar unrest. This context highlights the deep political tensions in Nigeria as the 2027 elections approach, with both major parties trading accusations of incitement and undermining democratic norms.
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