…Blames opposition crises on poor leadership, internal rivalries
By Seun Ibiyemi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on security and intelligence agencies to investigate Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over comments allegedly referencing the violent “Operation Wetie” era during a recent opposition parties’ summit in Ibadan.
The ruling party described the governor’s remarks as dangerous, reckless and capable of inciting violence, warning that such rhetoric poses a serious threat to national peace and democratic stability.
In a statement issued on April 26, 2026, by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, the APC said it was alarming that a sitting governor and Chief Security Officer of a state would invoke a period associated with political bloodshed in Nigeria’s history.
According to the party, Makinde’s comments were not only irresponsible but also amounted to incitement capable of triggering widespread unrest and insecurity across the country.
The APC maintained that such statements should not be treated as ordinary political criticism or opposition posturing, insisting that they represented a “clear and present danger” to public safety and national security.
“The Governor’s incitement to violence renders him unworthy of his high office,” the statement read.
The party urged security agencies to take immediate action to prevent any breakdown of law and order, stressing that the protection of lives, property and democratic institutions must remain a top priority.
It also reminded Governor Makinde that constitutional immunity does not shield any elected official from accountability for actions or threats that could endanger national security.
The APC said no public official, regardless of rank or political influence, should be allowed to make statements capable of threatening the country’s peace under the cover of political expression.
The party also used the opportunity to dismiss claims by opposition leaders that Nigeria was moving toward one-party rule, saying the real problem facing opposition parties was internal failure.
According to the APC, opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) were weakened by poor leadership, anti-democratic practices, factional crises and personal ambitions of key political actors.
It accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of deepening the PDP’s crisis through what it described as the “ruthless confiscation” of the party’s 2023 presidential ticket.
The Labour Party was also criticised for being destabilised by Mr. Peter Obi’s alleged “restless nomadic disposition,” while the ADC was described as politically weak due to leadership struggles caused by opposition actors.
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The APC said Nigerians were politically mature enough to understand that parties unable to manage their own affairs could not be trusted with national leadership.
The ruling party reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law and the continued implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
