Makinde’s ‘Operation Wetie’ remark a threat to national security – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Seyi Makinde, Oyo state governor, of inciting violence following comments he made at the opposition parties’ summit in Ibadan.

Speaking at the national summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders on Saturday, Makinde raised concerns over growing efforts to consolidate legislative control under one party while opposition parties grapple with internal crises and legal battles.

“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,” Makinde said.

“Operation Wetie” refers to a period of intense political violence that engulfed Nigeria’s western region, particularly Ibadan, in the mid-1960s.

The phrase, derived from a Yoruba expression meaning “wet him”, describes a tactic in which political opponents, their homes and vehicles were doused with petrol and set ablaze.

The crisis erupted after the highly disputed 1965 western region elections, which were widely alleged to have been rigged in favour of the ruling faction, effectively sidelining the opposition.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC, through Felix Morka, its national publicity secretary, condemned Makinde’s remarks, describing them as “reckless” and a threat to national peace and security.

According to the APC, it was troubling that a sitting governor and chief security officer of a state would invoke a period associated with political violence, warning that such comments could trigger “anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness”.

“By his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies,” the APC said.

The ruling party called on security and intelligence agencies to take the matter seriously and act to protect lives and property, while stressing that constitutional immunity does not shield public officials from accountability over statements deemed to threaten national security.

“Makinde’s violent rhetoric cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing. We therefore call on all relevant security and intelligence agencies to take this unfortunate development seriously and act to safeguard lives, property, and defend Nigeria’s democratic order,” the statement reads.

“Makinde must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security.

“No individual, however highly placed, should have the power to threaten or endanger the lives and safety of Nigerians or upend the country’s hard-won democratic governance under the guise of political commentary.”

The APC also dismissed claims by opposition figures that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, attributing the challenges within opposition parties to internal crises, leadership struggles, and what it described as poor organisational management.

The APC criticised key opposition figures, including former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, accusing them of contributing to instability within their respective parties.

The party maintained that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open and competitive, adding that multiple political parties continue to operate freely within the system.

Reaffirming its position ahead of the 2027 general election, the APC said it would continue to mobilise and organise in line with democratic principles, while expressing confidence that Nigerians would support its agenda under President Bola Tinubu. (TheCable)