Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has strongly criticised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over comments he made at an opposition gathering in Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Sunday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka described his remarks as dangerous and unbecoming of a sitting governor.
The backlash followed a speech delivered on Saturday, in which Makinde reportedly referenced “Operation Wetie”, a notorious period of political violence in Nigeria’s First Republic, while warning against what he sees as a drift towards a one-party system.
Morka said the governor’s comments crossed a line, particularly given his role as the chief security officer of Oyo State.
He argued that invoking such a volatile chapter in Nigeria’s history risked inflaming tensions rather than contributing to constructive political debate.
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“Makinde’s comments go beyond opposition politics,” Morka said. “They carry undertones that could encourage unrest, violence, and a breakdown of law and order if left unchecked.”
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Morka urged security and intelligence agencies to keep a close watch, stressing that while governors enjoy constitutional immunity, they still bear responsibility for statements that could threaten national stability.
He also rejected claims that Nigeria was sliding into a one-party state, describing the narrative as an attempt to deflect from internal divisions within opposition ranks.
Morka pointed to ongoing challenges across major parties within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and blamed lingering fractures on disputes surrounding Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential bid.
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He criticised the Labour Party (LP) over instability linked to Peter Obi’s political trajectory.
He said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was portrayed as struggling with internal leadership disputes.
Opposition
According to him, these issues, rather than any external pressure, have weakened opposition cohesion.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, Morka maintained that recent opposition rhetoric reflected anxiety about future electoral prospects rather than genuine concerns about democracy.
Morka reaffirmed the party’s backing for President Bola Tinubu and his “Renewed Hope Agenda”, insisting that Nigeria’s political space remains competitive, with multiple active parties offering voters a range of choices.
He urged Nigerians to focus on policy alternatives and governance records, rather than what he described as inflammatory political messaging.
