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By Ayo Kehinde
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of making statements capable of inciting violence after he referred to the historic incident known as “Operation Wetie”, during an opposition political summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The ruling party’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, on Sunday said: “Governor Makinde has invoked the bloody history of Operation Wetie to incite Nigerians to violence against his baseless and senseless allegation of the country’s descent into a one-party state.”
He described the governor’s remarks as “reckless” and warned that such rhetoric poses a direct threat to national peace and security.
“It is particularly disturbing for a sitting governor who has the constitutional responsibility as the head of security of his state to evoke one of the darkest episodes of political violence in the history of Nigeria to threaten violence against the people and government of Nigeria,” Morka said.
The APC further said 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 take action, saying: “We therefore call on all relevant security and intelligence agencies to take this unfortunate development seriously and take action to safeguard lives, property and defend the democratic order of Nigeria.”
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 liability 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 has rejected claims that Nigeria is moving towards a one-party system.
“The APC vehemently rejects attempts by confused opposition leaders to frame their internal chaos in alarmist narratives of so-called one-party domination,” Morka said.
The party attributed challenges within the opposition ranks to internal crises, citing “undemocratic practices, woefully poor leadership, internal contradictions, total disregard for due process and the rule of law, persistent factionalism and desperate presidential ambitions.”
He also targeted key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, accusing them of contributing to instability within their respective political platforms.
As for its own prospects, the APC expressed confidence in the judgment of voters ahead of the next general elections, saying: “Nigerians are discerning and recognize that a party so grossly incapable of managing its 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 has 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 advancing the agenda of renewed hope for peace, unity and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he said.
At the time of writing, Governor Makinde had not publicly responded to the APC allegations.
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