The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned remarks attributed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of inciting violence during a political gathering in Ibadan.
In a press statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party alleged that Makinde referenced the violent history of “Operation Wetie” while addressing opposition figures on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
“Governor Makinde’s incitement is reckless and constitutes a clear and present threat to peace and national security,” Morka said. “It is particularly disturbing that a sitting governor would conjure one of the darkest episodes of political violence in our history to threaten violence against the people and government of Nigeria.”
The APC warned that such rhetoric could have far-reaching consequences if left unchecked.
“Makinde’s violent rhetoric cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing,” the statement added. “His comments risk fueling anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability.”
The party stressed that, as a sitting governor and chief security officer of his state, Makinde bears constitutional responsibility to promote peace rather than stoke tensions.
“He has shown himself to be unworthy of the high office he occupies,” Morka stated, urging security and intelligence agencies to “take this unfortunate development seriously and act decisively to safeguard lives, property, and Nigeria’s democratic order.”
The APC also cautioned that constitutional immunity does not shield public office holders from accountability.
“No individual, however highly placed, should have the power to threaten or endanger the lives and safety of Nigerians under the guise of political commentary,” the statement said.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the party dismissed claims by opposition figures that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, describing such assertions as misleading.
“The opposition’s alarmist narrative of a so-called one-party state is nothing but a smokescreen for their internal failures,” Morka said.
The APC attributed the challenges within opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to poor leadership and internal divisions.
It also referenced former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 flag bearer Peter Obi.
“The PDP was weakened by internal contradictions, while the Labour Party has been destabilised by inconsistent leadership,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its stance ahead of the 2027 general elections, the APC maintained that Nigeria’s democratic space remains vibrant.
“With nearly two dozen political parties participating freely in the electoral process, Nigeria’s democracy remains robust,” Morka said.
The party reiterated its commitment to governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Our great party 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,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate response from Governor Makinde or his representatives.