The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde after he referenced the 1993 “Operation Wetie” episode during a summit of opposition parties in Ibadan. APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the governor’s remarks as “dangerous incitement” that threatens national security and peace.
In a statement released on Thursday, Morka said Makinde’s comments were “reckless” and constituted a “clear and present threat to peace and national security.” He noted that, as the constitutional chief security officer of Oyo State, the governor bears responsibility for safeguarding citizens and should not invoke one of Nigeria’s darkest periods of political violence.
The APC, led by President Bola Tinubu, reiterated its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law and delivering on the “Renewed Hope Agenda” for national unity and prosperity. Morka added that the governor’s remarks could not be dismissed as routine opposition rhetoric because they risk fueling anarchy and undermining the country’s stability.
The party called on security and intelligence agencies to treat Makinde’s statement seriously and to act to protect lives, property and the democratic order. While acknowledging that constitutional immunity shields office‑holders from prosecution, Morka emphasized that immunity does not exempt them from accountability for actions that jeopardise national security.
Morka also rejected attempts by opposition leaders to portray the APC as a one‑party monopoly. He attributed the opposition’s attacks to internal disunity, poor leadership and a lack of viable policy alternatives. “The opposition parties are victims of self‑inflicted injuries arising from anti‑democratic practices, miserable leadership and disregard for due process,” he said.
According to Morka, the coalition of opposition parties has not presented a concrete vision for Nigeria’s development, relying instead on fear‑mongering and false narratives about the APC. He warned that the APC will not provide “leadership consulting services” to opposition groups and will not be coerced into abandoning its electoral strategy for the 2027 general elections.
The statement concluded by highlighting Nigeria’s vibrant democratic space, noting that nearly two dozen political parties are registered and free to contest elections. Morka described the opposition’s threats of violence as an “admission of incompetence” and suggested that voters are likely to reject such tactics at the polls.
The APC’s warning underscores the heightened political tensions ahead of the next electoral cycle and signals that security agencies may be called upon to intervene if rhetoric escalates into action.
