The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, of making comments capable of inciting violence following his remarks at an opposition parties’ summit in Ibadan.
Speaking at the gathering of opposition political leaders on Saturday, Makinde expressed concern over what he described as increasing moves towards one-party dominance, noting that opposition parties are currently dealing with internal crises and legal challenges.
“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,” he said.
“Operation Wetie” refers to a period of violent political unrest in Nigeria’s western region, particularly Ibadan, in the mid-1960s. The term, rooted in a Yoruba expression meaning “wet him”, described a method where opponents and their properties were set ablaze.
The crisis followed the controversial 1965 western region elections, which were widely alleged to have been manipulated in favour of the ruling faction.
In a statement issued on Sunday, APC, through its national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, condemned Makinde’s comments, labelling them “reckless” and a danger to national peace and security.
The party said it was alarming that a sitting governor and chief security officer would reference a violent historical episode, warning that such remarks could incite “anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness”.
“By his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies,” the party stated.
APC called on security and intelligence agencies to treat the matter seriously and take necessary steps to protect lives and property, stressing that constitutional immunity does not shield public officials from accountability over statements that may threaten national security.
“Makinde’s violent rhetoric cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing. 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 reads.
“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 ruling party also rejected claims that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party system, attributing the challenges faced by opposition parties to internal disputes, leadership struggles, and poor organisation.
It criticised opposition figures, including former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing them of contributing to instability within their parties.
APC maintained that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open, with multiple political parties operating freely, and expressed confidence that its agenda under President Bola Tinubu would receive public support ahead of the 2027 general elections.