APC Slams Makinde Over “Operation Wetie” Remark, Says Governor Unfit for Office

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over comments he made during an opposition parties’ summit in Ibadan, accusing him of inciting violence and threatening national peace.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described Makinde’s reference to the historical “Operation Wetie” political violence as reckless, dangerous, and unbecoming of a sitting governor.

According to the ruling party, it was deeply disturbing that a governor who serves as the Chief Security Officer of his state would invoke one of Nigeria’s darkest political episodes while alleging that the country was sliding into a one-party state.

The APC said such rhetoric was not mere political opposition but a serious threat capable of fueling unrest, lawlessness, and national instability.

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

The party called on relevant security and intelligence agencies to treat the matter with urgency and take necessary steps to protect lives, property, and Nigeria’s democratic order.

It also reminded the governor that constitutional immunity does not shield anyone from accountability for actions or statements capable of threatening national security.

The APC further dismissed claims by opposition figures that Nigeria was drifting toward a one-party state, insisting that the current crisis within opposition parties was self-inflicted.

The party accused opposition leaders of destroying their own platforms through poor leadership, internal crises, disregard for due process, and personal ambition.

It specifically blamed Atiku Abubakar for what it described as the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleging that his pursuit of the party’s 2023 presidential ticket violated its zoning arrangement.

Similarly, it accused Peter Obi of destabilizing the Labour Party through repeated political movements and personal ambition.

The APC also described the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-backed coalition as a failed platform hijacked by opposition figures unwilling to build sustainable political institutions.

The party maintained that Nigerians would not entrust national leadership to parties unable to manage their own internal affairs, adding that the opposition had failed to present any clear alternative vision for Nigeria’s development.

It stressed that the APC would not be distracted by what it called blackmail or pressure from opposition leaders seeking to blame the ruling party for their internal problems ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reaffirming its confidence in the democratic process, the APC said Nigeria’s political space remains open and vibrant, with multiple registered political parties actively participating.

The ruling party added that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law, and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for national peace, unity, and prosperity.