A fresh war of words has erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Seyi Makinde following controversial remarks at an opposition summit.
The ruling party accused the Oyo State governor of making statements capable of inciting violence after he referenced “Operation Wetie” while speaking at the gathering in Ibadan on Saturday.
Makinde had warned that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party state, invoking the phrase historically associated with violent political clashes in the Western Region during the 1960s.
In a statement on Sunday, APC spokesperson, Felix Morka, described the remarks as reckless and a threat to national peace and security.
The party said it was disturbing for a sitting governor to reference such a campaign in a manner that could be interpreted as encouraging violence against the government and its citizens.
It warned that the comments could inflame tensions and destabilise the country, urging security agencies to act swiftly to protect lives and property.
The APC also stressed that constitutional immunity does not shield public officials from accountability on issues relating to national security.
Dismissing claims that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party state, the party argued that internal crises within opposition groups are largely self-inflicted, citing leadership struggles, factional disputes and anti-democratic tendencies.
It criticised former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of contributing to instability within the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 elections.
The APC also took aim at Peter Obi, saying his political movements weakened the Labour Party, while describing coalition efforts under the African Democratic Congress as ineffective.
Maintaining its position, the party said Nigerians would not entrust governance to what it described as a disorganised opposition, insisting that its critics rely on fear-based narratives rather than credible alternatives.
It added that it would not be distracted from its preparations for the 2027 general elections, noting that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open and competitive.
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the PDP and ADC, have agreed to field a joint presidential candidate for the 2027 election, a resolution reached at the summit attended by several political groups.
