The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of making statements capable of inciting violence after comments he made at an opposition summit in Ibadan.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said Makinde’s reference to “Operation Wetie”—a violent period in Nigeria’s political history—was reckless and dangerous.
During the summit, Makinde had warned that weakening opposition parties could harm Nigeria’s democracy. While making his point, he referenced the “Wild Wild West” era, a period in the 1960s marked by political violence in the Western Region.
Reacting to this, the APC said invoking such a historical episode in today’s political climate was inappropriate and could be interpreted as encouraging unrest. The party described the remark as a threat to national peace and security.
The APC also called on security agencies to take the matter seriously, warning that such statements should not be dismissed as mere political talk. It stressed that public office holders must be careful with their words, especially on sensitive national issues.
Beyond the criticism of Makinde, the party dismissed claims by opposition groups that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party system. It argued that the challenges within opposition parties are largely due to internal disagreements and leadership struggles.
The ruling party also took aim at key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, accusing them of contributing to instability within their respective parties.
According to the APC, opposition groups have failed to present a clear alternative vision for the country and are instead relying on criticism and political rhetoric.
The party maintained that it remains focused on governance and strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 elections, while reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It concluded by urging political actors to promote peace and responsible engagement, stressing that democracy thrives on healthy competition—not threats or fear.
