By Ogochukwu Isioma
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned comments made by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of making statements capable of inciting violence and undermining national security.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party said Makinde’s reference to the historical “Operation Wetie” during a summit of opposition parties in Ibadan was reckless and unbecoming of a sitting governor.
“Governor Makinde invoked the bloody history of ‘Operation Wetie’ to incite Nigerians to violence over his baseless and senseless allegation of the country’s descent into a one party state,” the statement said.
The APC described the remarks as a direct threat to peace and stability, stressing that such rhetoric should not be taken lightly given the governor’s position as Chief Security Officer of his state.
“It is particularly disturbing for a sitting Governor… 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,” it added.
The party warned that the comments could fuel unrest if not addressed, urging security agencies to take note.
“Makinde’s violent rhetoric cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing. His statement risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability.”
The APC further stated that constitutional immunity does not shield public office holders from accountability where national security is concerned.
“Constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security,” the statement noted.
The party also dismissed claims by opposition figures about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, attributing their challenges to internal crises.
“The opposition parties are victims of self-inflicted injuries arising from anti-democratic practices, poor leadership and internal contradictions,” it said.
The APC went on to criticise key opposition figures and parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress, accusing them of failing to provide credible alternatives to governance.
According to the ruling party, Nigerians are increasingly aware that parties unable to manage their internal affairs cannot be trusted with national leadership.
“At the APC, we are confident that Nigerians are discerning and recognise that a party so grossly unable to manage its own internal affairs cannot be entrusted with governance,” it stated.
Reaffirming its stance ahead of the 2027 general elections, the party said it would continue to mobilise and organise without yielding to what it described as political blackmail.
“Our great party… will not yield to blackmail to abdicate our duty to plan, organise and mobilise to compete effectively in the upcoming 2027 general elections.”
The APC maintained that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open and competitive, dismissing opposition claims as fear-driven narratives.
“Nigeria’s democratic space remains as robust as can be… the opposition’s threats of violence is nothing but an admission of incompetence.”
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that it remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions and delivering its policy agenda.
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde, while addressing the opposition gathering, had said: “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… this gathering carries the same responsibility.”
The APC, however, insisted that such remarks must be condemned to prevent a repeat of Nigeria’s violent political past.