New war of words has arisen in Nigeria’s political space after Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State referenced “Operation Wetie” at a weekend opposition summit in Ibadan.
The remark quickly drew sharp reactions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and it’s rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at the gathering on Saturday, Makinde warned about growing political dominance by a single party.
“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,” he said.
The phrase refers to violent unrest in Nigeria’s Western Region after the disputed 1965 elections, when political rivals attacked each other, killing and maiming many, and properties were burnt.
The APC responded on Sunday, describing the comment as dangerous and irresponsible for a sitting governor.
In a statement by its spokesman, Felix Morka, the party warned of serious consequences.
“By his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies,” the APC said.
APC Raises Alarm Over Security Implications
The party argued that invoking such a violent history could trigger unrest in an already tense political climate.
“Makinde must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security,” the statement read.
It also dismissed fears of a one-party state, blaming opposition leaders for internal crises within their parties.
The APC further declared confidence ahead of the 2027 elections, backing Bola Tinubu’s administration.
PDP Defends Makinde, Calls It Historical Warning
Meanwhile, the Makinde’s party, the PDP, rejected the APC’s position and defended the governor’s remarks as a caution, not a threat.
In a statement by Ini Ememobong, the party said the governor only used history to warn against political suppression.
“The use of history in the way and manner done by Governor Makinde… served as a caution and advisory,” the PDP said.
It added that misinterpreting the comment reflects deeper political anxiety.
“Only a guilty aggressor can interpret it to mean a threat or call to violence,” the party said.
The PDP also accused the APC of creating conditions that could fuel instability ahead of the 2027 elections.
“When the APC was in opposition, they did not merely threaten violence, they openly promised to make the country ungovernable,” it added.
Both sides now appear set for a prolonged political battle, with rhetoric becoming heated as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
At the centre is a deeper fear about power balance, democratic space, and political control in Africa’s largest democracy.
Makinde is aligned with the opposition, which fears the political domination of President Bola Tinubu’s APC.
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