The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of making statements capable of inciting violence following comments delivered at an opposition summit in Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party condemned Makinde’s reference to “Operation Wetie,” describing it as reckless and a threat to national peace and security.
The APC said it was particularly troubling that a sitting governor, who holds the constitutional role of Chief Security Officer of his state, would invoke a historical episode associated with political violence. The party argued that such rhetoric could fuel unrest and undermine national stability.
According to the statement, Makinde’s comments should not be dismissed as mere political opposition, warning that they risk encouraging lawlessness and endangering lives and property. The party called on security and intelligence agencies to take the matter seriously and act to preserve order and protect Nigeria’s democratic system.
The APC further noted that while governors enjoy constitutional immunity, such protection does not absolve them of accountability for actions or statements deemed threatening to national security.
The ruling party also dismissed claims by opposition figures that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state, attributing challenges within opposition parties to internal crises, poor leadership, and persistent factional disputes.
It cited internal issues within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), arguing that these parties had failed to present a coherent alternative vision for governance.
Reaffirming its position, the APC said it remained focused on consolidating democratic institutions and delivering on its policy agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The party maintained that Nigeria’s political space remains open and competitive, noting the participation of multiple registered parties in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.