APC lambasts Makinde, says he's unfit for office after 'Operation Wetie' comment

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has been deemed unfit for office by the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to his invocation of "Operation Wetie" at an opposition summit in Ibadan, which the party views as a reckless call to violence.

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Makinde's remarks were made during the national summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders on Saturday, where he cautioned against the consolidation of legislative power under a single party, warning that those who act with impunity should remember the origins of "Operation Wetie".

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The term "Operation Wetie" refers to a period of political violence in Nigeria's western region, particularly Ibadan, in the mid-1960s, during which opposition figures, homes, and vehicles were set alight after being doused with petrol.

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The APC swiftly condemned Makinde's comments, with national publicity secretary Felix Morka issuing a statement on Sunday that expressed deep concern over the governor's reference to a violent historical event, which could potentially spark "anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness".

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The party's statement asserted that Makinde's incitement to violence demonstrates his unworthiness to hold the office of Governor, and called on security and intelligence agencies to take action, emphasizing that constitutional immunity does not shield public officials from accountability for statements deemed to threaten national security.

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The APC stressed that Makinde must be held accountable for his statements, reminding him that constitutional immunity from prosecution does not grant him immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security.

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The party also dismissed concerns about the emergence of a one-party state, instead blaming the opposition's struggles on self-inflicted wounds, and criticized former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi for exacerbating instability within their respective parties.

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The APC warned that no individual should be allowed to threaten the lives and safety of Nigerians or undermine the country's democratic governance under the guise of political commentary, and reaffirmed its confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The party expressed its commitment to continuing mobilization in support of President Bola Tinubu's agenda, and emphasized that Nigeria's democratic space remains open, as it looks forward to the 2027 general elections.