APC blasts Makinde over ‘Operation Wetie’ remark, warns against inciting violence ahead of 2027 elections

All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticized Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of making inflammatory statements capable of inciting violence and undermining national security.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the governor’s reference to the historic “Operation Wetie” crisis during a political gathering in Ibadan was “reckless” and unbecoming of a sitting state chief executive.

“While addressing a summit of opposition political parties in Ibadan, yesterday, Saturday, April 25, 2026, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state 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 read.

The party described Makinde’s comments as dangerous, stressing that such rhetoric could fuel unrest.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) categorically condemns Governor Makinde’s incitement as reckless, and a clear and present threat to peace and national security,” the statement said.

“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. By his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies.”

The APC warned that the governor’s remarks should not be dismissed as mere political rhetoric.

“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 ruling party urged security agencies to take the matter seriously.

“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.”

It further noted that constitutional immunity does not shield public officials from accountability in matters affecting national security.

“Makinde must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security.”

The party also used the statement to criticize opposition parties, accusing them of internal disarray and lack of credible alternatives.

It claimed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had been weakened by internal conflicts, alleging that Atiku Abubakar undermined party structures during the 2023 elections.

The APC further took aim at the Labour Party, alleging instability linked to its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while dismissing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an ineffective coalition platform.

According to the statement, opposition parties are “victims of self-inflicted injuries arising from anti-democratic practices, miserably poor leadership, internal contradictions, utter disregard for due process and the rule of law, persistent factionalization.”

The APC insisted Nigeria’s democratic environment remains vibrant and competitive, rejecting claims of a drift toward a one-party state.

“Our democracy is founded on the idea of competing visions of governance and development,” the statement said, adding that opposition parties have failed to present viable alternatives.

The party expressed confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that Nigerians would reject what it described as “fear mongering built on false narratives.”

Reiterating its commitment to governance, the APC said it remains focused on delivering its agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our great party, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the peace, unity, and prosperity of all Nigerians.”