The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of inciting violence following his remarks during an opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday by APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party condemned what it described as “reckless incitement” by the governor, warning that his comments posed “a clear and present threat to peace and national security.”
The APC alleged that Makinde, while addressing opposition figures, invoked the violent legacy of Operation Wetie, which it characterised as “one of the darkest episodes of political violence in Nigeria’s history,” in a manner capable of encouraging unrest.
“Governor Makinde… 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 expressed concern that such rhetoric was coming from a sitting governor, stressing that Makinde, as chief security officer of his state, bears constitutional responsibility for maintaining peace.
“By his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies,” the APC declared.
Warning against dismissing the remarks as routine opposition politics, the party said the governor’s comments “risk fueling anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability.” It called on security and intelligence agencies to “take this unfortunate development seriously” and act to protect lives and property.
The APC further argued that constitutional immunity does not shield public office holders from accountability in matters relating to national security. “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 added.
Beyond the allegations against Makinde, the ruling party used the opportunity to criticise opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing them of internal disarray and poor leadership.
The APC claimed that the PDP was weakened by internal disputes linked to its 2023 presidential ticket, alleging that Atiku Abubakar “ruthlessly confiscated” the party’s nomination in violation of its zoning arrangement. It also took aim at Peter Obi, accusing him of frequent party defections, and dismissed the ADC as a “stillborn” coalition platform plagued by leadership struggles.
“These opposition leaders and their coalition of confusion have not put anything forward by way of an alternative vision for Nigeria’s development,” the APC said, adding that their criticisms of the ruling party were rooted in “fear mongering built on false narratives.”
Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 general elections, the party insisted it would not be distracted by opposition challenges. “We will not yield to blackmail to abdicate our duty to our Party to plan, organize and mobilize to compete effectively,” the statement noted.
The APC maintained that Nigeria’s democratic space remains vibrant, citing the number of registered political parties and ongoing political activities nationwide. It concluded by restating its commitment under Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.”
 has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of inciting violence following his remarks during an opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.){kind=link}