Abuja, NIGERIA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a stinging rebuke to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing his recent invocation of the “Operation Wetie” political crisis as a reckless incitement to violence. In a press statement released on Sunday, the ruling party characterized the Governor’s rhetoric as a “clear and present threat to peace and national security.”
Okay News understands that the controversy stems from Makinde’s address at the National Summit of All Opposition Party Leaders in Ibadan on Saturday.
Warning against what he described as a descent into a one-party state, Makinde reminded attendees that “Operation Wetie” began in the same city, referring to the 1960s era of extreme political violence in the “Wild Wild West” marked by arson and necklacing.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, responded by stating that such language is “unworthy of the high office” the Governor occupies.
The APC further argued that Makinde’s comments were an attempt to mask the “internal shambles” of opposition parties like the PDP, Labour Party, and ADC. Morka asserted that the opposition is suffering from “self-inflicted injuries” and “desperate, dissonant presidential ambitions” rather than any systemic suppression by the ruling party. The statement called on security agencies to act decisively to safeguard the nation’s democratic order against “violent rhetoric” that could fuel anarchy.
The ruling party also took the opportunity to defend its Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Nigeria’s democratic space remains robust with nearly two dozen registered parties. By invoking a dark chapter of history to “blackmail” the government, the APC claims Makinde has abdicated his role as the Chief Security Officer of his state. The party reaffirmed its commitment to the 2027 elections, insisting that the electorate will ultimately reject “gangster antics” in favor of visionary leadership.
