The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of inciting violence following comments he made at a political gathering in Ibadan.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party alleged that Makinde, “while addressing a summit of opposition political parties in Ibadan… 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 APC “categorically condemns Governor Makinde’s incitement as reckless, and a clear and present threat to peace and national security,” adding that “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.”
The party further stated that “by his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies,” stressing that his remarks “cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing” as they risk “fueling anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability.”
Calling for action, the APC urged “all relevant security and intelligence agencies to take this unfortunate development seriously and act to safeguard lives, property, and defend Nigeria’s democratic order,” while warning that “constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security.”
The statement also dismissed claims of a one-party state, saying the opposition’s narrative stems from internal crises. According to the APC, opposition parties are “victims of self-inflicted injuries arising from anti-democratic practices, miserably poor leadership, internal contradictions… and the desperate and dissonant presidential ambitions of their leaders.”
It specifically alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “was destroyed by Atiku Abubakar’s ruthless confiscation” of its 2023 presidential ticket, while the Labour Party (LP) was “effectively subverted by the restless nomadic disposition” of its candidate, Peter Obi. The party added that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition was “basically stillborn,” blaming opposition leaders for instability within their ranks.
The APC maintained that it remains confident in its standing, noting that “Nigerians are discerning and recognize that a party so grossly unable to manage its own internal affairs cannot be entrusted with the governance” of the country.
Reaffirming its position ahead of future elections, the party said it “will not yield to blackmail to abdicate our duty… to plan, organize and mobilize to compete effectively in the upcoming 2027 general elections.”
It concluded by stating that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it “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.”