By Christian Abolu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday criticised the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his reference to the violent “Operation Wetie” episode of the First Republic, describing it as capable of inciting unrest.
Makinde had made the remark while addressing a gathering of opposition political leaders, where he warned against what he alleged was a plot to impose a one-party state in the country.
“For those that are carrying on as if there’s no tomorrow, they should remember that ‘Operation Wetie’ started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West,” the governor said.
Reacting, the APC, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the comment as reckless and a threat to national peace and security.
“It is particularly disturbing for a sitting governor… to conjure up one of the darkest episodes of political violence in Nigeria’s history,” the party said, adding that such rhetoric could fuel anarchy and undermine democratic stability.
The ruling party called on security and intelligence agencies to take the matter seriously, warning that constitutional immunity does not shield public office holders from accountability over actions or statements capable of threatening national security.
Similarly, a faction of the PDP aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, led by Nyesom Wike, also condemned the governor’s remarks, describing them as inappropriate and suggestive of a call to violence.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the group expressed concern over the use of a term associated with a period of grave political violence, stressing that such rhetoric has no place in Nigeria’s current democratic space.
“Nigeria must come first before politics and personal ambition. Without peace and stability, no democratic process can thrive,” the faction stated, urging security agencies to investigate the matter.
However, another PDP faction led by Taminu Turaki rose in defence of the governor, insisting that his remarks were misinterpreted and were intended as a cautionary reference to history rather than an incitement to violence.
The group argued that Makinde’s statement was advisory, aimed at warning against political actions that could trigger instability if not properly managed.
According to the faction’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, the governor merely reminded political actors of the consequences of ignoring historical lessons, noting that “those who do not learn from history are doomed by it.”
The group further accused the APC-led Federal Government of driving the country towards political tension, alleging that the ruling party’s actions were responsible for the growing concerns about democratic space and opposition suppression.
It also recalled past statements by APC leaders during their time in opposition, arguing that the ruling party lacked the moral authority to criticise Makinde over a historical reference.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the PDP also faulted the APC’s reaction, describing it as hypocritical and an attempt to distort political history.
In a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Michael Ogunsina, the party said the APC’s position reflected “political amnesia and selective morality,” insisting that the ruling party had previously deployed strong and provocative rhetoric in its political engagements.
