April 26, 2026 / SUNTV GLOBAL EXCLUSIVE
A faction of the (PDP) has blamed President and the ruling for escalating political tension across Nigeria, while defending Oyo State Governor over his controversial “Operation Wetie” remark.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction, the PDP insisted that Makinde’s comments were widely misinterpreted and were never intended to incite violence.
The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, described the backlash from the APC as a reaction driven by “panic and guilt” following the recent opposition summit held in Ibadan.
According to the PDP, Makinde’s reference to “Operation Wetie” was a historical reminder meant to caution against political excesses, not a call to violence. The party argued that only those with “guilty intentions” would interpret the governor’s remarks as incitement.
The PDP accused the APC-led federal government of orchestrating the current political tension and fostering what it described as “democratic backsliding.” It further alleged that the ruling party had a history of endorsing aggressive rhetoric while in opposition, claiming that the APC once threatened to make the country “ungovernable.”
Despite the accusations, the opposition party maintained that it would continue to pursue its activities within the bounds of the law, even amid alleged intimidation and political pressure.
Makinde’s comment referenced the infamous —a violent political crisis in the Western Region during the mid-1960s. The unrest, which followed disputed elections in 1965, saw widespread violence, arson, and political clashes, particularly in Ibadan, earning the region the nickname “Wild Wild West.”
The PDP argued that the governor’s reference was intended as a cautionary lesson, warning that unchecked political greed and public frustration could lead to similar unrest.
However, the APC had earlier condemned Makinde’s statement, describing it as “deeply disturbing” and accusing the governor of invoking one of Nigeria’s darkest political episodes to threaten violence.
The PDP warned that responsibility for any potential electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections would rest on the federal government, the APC, and key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The statement concluded with a sharp criticism of the ruling party, accusing it of poor governance and resorting to intimidation tactics against opposition figures, as political tensions continue to rise ahead of the next election cycle.
