Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused Seyi Makinde of inciting violence following remarks he made at an opposition summit in Ibadan.
Makinde, governor of Oyo State, raised alarm over what he described as growing attempts to centralise legislative control under one political party. He spoke on Saturday at a gathering of opposition leaders in the Oyo State capital.
During his address, Makinde referenced the historic “Operation Wetie” crisis, warning against political complacency.
“Those acting as if there’s no tomorrow should remember that ‘Operation Wetie’ started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West,” he said.
“Operation Wetie” refers to a violent period in Nigeria’s Western Region during the mid-1960s, marked by arson attacks on political opponents following the disputed 1965 regional elections.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, APC spokesperson Felix Morka described the governor’s comments as “reckless” and dangerous.
The party warned that invoking such a violent historical episode could trigger unrest.
“By his incitement to violence, Makinde has shown himself unworthy of the office he occupies,” the APC said.
The APC also called on security and intelligence agencies to take the remarks seriously, stressing that constitutional immunity does not shield public officials from accountability.
The party dismissed concerns raised by opposition figures that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state. It argued that the challenges facing opposition parties stem from internal crises and poor organisation.
The APC further criticised opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, accusing them of contributing to instability within their parties.
Reaffirming its stance ahead of the 2027 elections, the ruling party expressed confidence that Nigerians would continue to support its agenda under Bola Tinubu.
