The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his reference to the historic “Operation Wetie” crisis during a recent opposition summit in Ibadan.
Basiru described the governor’s remarks as inciting and irresponsible, warning that such statements could heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
Makinde, who hosted the opposition meeting in Ibadan, had warned against the dangers of weakening opposition politics, recalling that the “Operation Wetie” crisis of the First Republic began in the city before spreading across the old Western Region.
Reacting, Basiru said the governor had misrepresented history and was making inflammatory comments without proper context.
“It is irresponsible for a governor to make inciting statements without context,” he said, adding that the crisis Makinde referenced was a reaction to electoral manipulation in the 1960s.
“Today, the opposition is simply complaining because the APC is organised while they are divided,” Basiru added.
Also faulting the governor, APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Isaacs Kekemeke, said the comment suggested a dangerous narrative that elections could descend into violence.
“The reference to ‘wetie’ at this point constitutes a threat and a sign of desperation,” Kekemeke said, insisting that democracy thrives on constructive engagement, not inflammatory rhetoric.
He rejected claims that the ruling party was working towards a one-party state, noting that Nigeria still has multiple registered political parties under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“It is unfounded to suggest a one-party system in a country with over 20 registered parties,” he said.
Kekemeke added that the APC remains open to criticism but would resist what he described as false allegations and political blackmail.
In a separate reaction, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, dismissed the opposition’s plan to present a joint presidential candidate as unworkable.
According to him, the coalition involving elements of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacks cohesion and is unlikely to succeed.
“The opposition remains fragmented and opportunistic. Whether they field one candidate or many, it will not change the outcome,” Dare said.
He expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure a second term, citing what he described as the administration’s record of reforms and economic recovery.
Meanwhile, reactions on social media also trailed Makinde’s comments, with some Nigerians questioning the appropriateness of invoking a violent historical episode in contemporary political discourse.