PDP defends Seyi Makinde’s ‘Operation Wetie’ remark, says it was a warning, not a threat

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has defended comments made by Seyi Makinde, saying his reference to “Operation Wetie” was a historical warning, not a call to violence.

Makinde had remarked on Saturday while speaking at an opposition party’s summit in Ibadan, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was under threat amid what he described as efforts to weaken opposition voices.

Referring to the political crisis that rocked the western region in the 1960s, the Oyo governor said, “Operation Wetie started from here,” alluding to a period marked by violent clashes following the disputed 1965 elections.

His comment drew sharp criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with its national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, describing the statement as reckless and a threat to national peace.

Morka urged security agencies to take the matter seriously, adding that public office holders should be held accountable for statements capable of inciting unrest.

But in a statement on Sunday, Ini Ememobong, spokesperson of the Turaki-led PDP faction, said Makinde’s remark had been misinterpreted.

According to him, the governor merely used history to caution against political repression and the potential consequences of undermining democratic institutions.

He argued that only those with “guilty intentions” would interpret the comment as a threat, adding that the reference served as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked political actions.

Ememobong further accused the APC of lacking the moral authority to criticise Makinde, recalling past statements by opposition figures before the party came to power.

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He warned that continued pressure on opposition parties could deepen political tensions, stressing that the PDP would hold the federal government, the APC, and key institutions responsible for any breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 elections.

The exchange highlights growing tensions between Nigeria’s ruling party and opposition figures as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the next general election cycle.