You’re unworthy of your office — APC blasts Makinde over ‘Operation Wetie’ remark

By Adaeze Chisom

The political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections has taken a heated turn as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) launched a fierce attack on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of irresponsibility and incitement following his controversial reference to “Operation Wetie” during an opposition gathering in Ibadan.

Makinde had spoken at the national summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders on Saturday, where he raised concerns over what he described as the growing concentration of legislative and political power in the hands of a single dominant party. In his remarks, however, he issued a historical warning that has since triggered nationwide political backlash.

“For those that are carrying on as if there’s no tomorrow, they should remember that ‘Operation Wetie’ started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West,” the governor said.

The phrase “Operation Wetie,” a Yoruba expression meaning “wet him,” is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s political history. It recalls the violent crises that engulfed the Western Region in the mid-1960s, particularly after the disputed 1965 elections. During that period, political tensions escalated into widespread arson attacks, with opponents’ homes, vehicles, and properties reportedly set ablaze using petrol, marking one of the darkest chapters in the country’s early democratic experience.

Makinde’s reference to the historical episode was interpreted by the APC as a dangerous provocation capable of destabilising the current political environment.

In a strongly worded response issued on Sunday, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, condemned the governor’s statement, describing it as reckless and unbecoming of a sitting governor who also serves as the chief security officer of his state.

“It is deeply troubling that a sitting governor would reach for such a violent and painful historical reference in a politically charged environment,” Morka stated. “Such remarks are capable of igniting anarchy, murderous rage, and widespread lawlessness.”

The APC went further to declare that Governor Makinde had disqualified himself morally from the office he occupies, insisting that his statement crossed the line of political expression into what it described as incitement.

“By his incitement to violence, Makinde has shown himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies,” the party declared.

The ruling party also called on security and intelligence agencies to closely monitor the situation, stressing that constitutional immunity does not extend to protection from accountability in cases where public statements are considered threats to national security or public peace.

“Makinde must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security,” the statement added.

Beyond the immediate condemnation, the APC used the opportunity to address wider concerns about opposition politics in Nigeria, dismissing fears of a creeping one-party state. According to the party, the challenges within opposition ranks are self-inflicted and not the result of political suppression.

It specifically criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing both of failing to provide stable leadership within their political blocs, thereby weakening the opposition landscape.

“No individual, however highly placed, should have the power to threaten or endanger the lives and safety of Nigerians or upend the country’s hard-won democratic governance under the guise of political commentary,” the APC added.

Despite the controversy, the ruling party reaffirmed its confidence in its political structure ahead of 2027, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic space remains open and competitive. It also pledged continued mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and reform agenda.

Political analysts note that the exchange reflects rising tensions as political actors begin early positioning for the next general election cycle. The invocation of historical violence, particularly one as sensitive as “Operation Wetie,” has further intensified debate about the boundaries of political speech in Nigeria’s democratic space.

As reactions continue to trail the governor’s remarks, attention now shifts to whether political leaders will tone down rhetoric or whether the controversy signals a deeper escalation in the nation’s pre-election climate.