The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of inciting violence ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. The ruling party described his recent reference to the historical 'Operation Wetie' as a direct threat to national security.
APC Condemns Makinde's Statement
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 26, 2026, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, condemned Governor Makinde's remarks made during a summit of opposition parties in Ibadan on April 25. Morka stated that Makinde's invocation of the violent history of 'Operation Wetie' was reckless and constituted a clear and present danger to peace and stability in the country.
The APC statement read in part: “The All Progressives Congress categorically condemns Governor Makinde’s incitement as reckless, and a clear and present 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.”
The party further asserted that by his actions, Makinde had shown himself unworthy of the high office he occupies.
Background of 'Operation Wetie'
'Operation Wetie' was a violent political campaign that occurred in Nigeria's western region, particularly in Ibadan, during the mid-1960s. The term, derived from the Yoruba phrase meaning 'wet him' or 'soak it,' referred to the practice of dousing political opponents, their homes, and vehicles with petrol and setting them ablaze. The violence erupted after the disputed 1965 western region elections.
Makinde's Remarks at Opposition Summit
Governor Makinde made the controversial statement while addressing a national summit of opposition party leaders in Ibadan. The event was attended by prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola. Makinde warned against the consolidation of one-party dominance in Nigeria, saying: “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 added that democracy is not destroyed overnight but weakened step by step until people feel it no longer works for them. His remarks were widely interpreted as a caution against the APC's perceived attempts to entrench a one-party state.
PDP Defends Makinde
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) quickly came to the defense of Governor Makinde. In a statement on Sunday, April 26, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong argued that Makinde's comments were taken out of context by the APC. The PDP insisted that the governor's remarks were a sobering reminder of what can happen when governance is driven by avarice rather than patriotism, and not an incitement to violence.
The PDP statement, as reported by Daily Trust, emphasized that Makinde's intention was to caution against the dangers of political excesses, not to encourage violence.
Political Reactions and Implications
The exchange between the APC and PDP highlights the growing political tension ahead of the 2027 elections. The APC's strong condemnation of Makinde signals that the ruling party views opposition unity efforts as a threat. Meanwhile, the PDP's defense of Makinde underscores the opposition's resolve to challenge the APC's dominance.
Earlier reports indicated that a stakeholders' meeting between a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a leading group of the PDP was underway in Abuja, with Governor Makinde, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Senator David Mark in attendance. This suggests that opposition parties are actively strategizing to present a united front in the upcoming election cycle.
