By Jude Opara
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over alleged inflammatory comments made during a summit of opposition political parties on Saturday.
Makinde was accused of referencing “Operation Wetie,” a notorious phrase linked to widespread violence during the political crisis in Nigeria’s defunct Western Region in the First Republic.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the governor’s remarks as reckless and a potential threat to national peace and stability.
Morka said it was unacceptable for a sitting governor—whose constitutional duty includes safeguarding lives and property—to make comments capable of inciting violence.
“It is particularly disturbing for a sitting Governor who bears constitutional responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of his state to invoke one of the darkest episodes of political violence in Nigeria’s history,” the statement read. “Such rhetoric risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage, and widespread lawlessness.”
The APC called on security and intelligence agencies to take the matter seriously and ensure the protection of citizens and the preservation of democratic order.
The party further stressed that constitutional immunity does not shield public office holders from accountability in matters that threaten national security.
Reacting to opposition claims that the APC is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state, the ruling party dismissed the allegation, insisting that internal crises within opposition ranks stem from their own “anti-democratic tendencies.”
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