APC Blasts Makinde Over ‘Operation Wetie’ Remark Ahead of 2027 Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his reference to the historic “Operation Wetie” violence during a recent opposition political gathering in Ibadan, describing the comment as inciting, irresponsible, and politically dangerous.

Makinde made the remark while addressing an opposition summit themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy”, where he warned against what he described as attempts to impose a one-party system in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his speech, the governor referenced the 1960s political unrest in the old Western Region, stating that “Operation Wetie started from Ibadan before spreading to other parts of the region.” The phrase, which historically refers to violent political clashes during Nigeria’s First Republic, has since triggered widespread controversy.

APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, condemned the comment, saying the governor’s statement was “irresponsible and capable of inciting violence.” He argued that Makinde was misrepresenting historical events and accused the opposition of attempting to create tension ahead of the next elections.

Basiru said the ruling party remains committed to democratic principles, insisting that Nigeria cannot be described as a one-party state given the existence of over 20 registered political parties under the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He further criticised opposition leaders for what he described as internal disorganisation, claiming that their inability to resolve leadership disputes was being wrongly blamed on the APC.

READ ALSO:

• Gunmen Abduct RCCG, CAC Clerics, Families in Kogi Community Attack
• Trump Says White House Shooting Will Not Change Iran War Stance
• Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Demand Payment of 19 Months’ Allowances

Similarly, APC National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Isaacs Kekemeke, described Makinde’s remarks as a “misreading of history” and accused him of making statements capable of raising political tension unnecessarily.

Kekemeke maintained that the ruling party is not interested in weakening opposition voices, stressing that democracy thrives on competition and accountability. He also dismissed claims of a planned one-party system, describing them as “politically motivated and baseless.”

He argued that opposition parties were struggling due to internal crises rather than any interference from the APC, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to democratic freedoms and political plurality.

The APC chieftain also criticised the outcome of the Ibadan opposition summit, where several political figures reportedly agreed to work toward fielding a single presidential candidate for 2027. He described the arrangement as unrealistic and bound to fail due to ideological differences and internal divisions.

Presidential aide, Chief Sunday Dare, also weighed in, dismissing the opposition coalition as weak and fragmented, saying it lacked the structure to challenge the ruling party effectively.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail Makinde’s comments on social media, with critics accusing him of invoking Nigeria’s violent political history, while supporters insist his remarks were intended as a caution against political exclusion and democratic decline.

Makinde has yet to issue a fresh response following the backlash.

APC Blasts Makinde Over ‘Operation Wetie’ Remark Ahead of 2027 Elections

Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso Lead Opposition Unity Talks in Ibadan Summit

Leading opposition figures in Nigeria on Saturday converged in Ibadan for a high-level national summit aimed at building political unity, strengthening cooperation, and repositioning opposition parties ahead of future elections.

The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, brought together key stakeholders from major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political blocs.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo presided over the summit, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde served as host. The gathering was convened under the theme “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” reflecting efforts to build a more coordinated opposition coalition in Nigeria. Organisers described the summit as a strategic response to rising concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges in the country.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirmed his presence at the summit, describing it as a broad consultation involving opposition parties across the country. Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso also attended, expressing optimism about the discussions aimed at fostering political cooperation and national stability.

READ ALSO:

• US, AU Condemn Coordinated Terror Attacks on Military Bases Across Mali
• Adelabu Resigns as Power Minister Despite Tinubu’s Opposition
• ‘Nigeria’s Breakup Likely Inevitable,’ Ex-US Mayor Tells Congress

Other prominent attendees included former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, alongside representatives from multiple opposition platforms.

Discussions at the summit reportedly centered on building a unified opposition front, improving collaboration among parties, and developing a coordinated strategy for upcoming elections. Sources said participants also explored ways to reduce internal divisions that have historically weakened opposition performance during national polls.

Although no formal coalition was announced, insiders described the meeting as a significant step toward possible opposition realignment in Nigeria. The Ibadan summit comes amid increasing political engagements across Nigeria as parties and leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Analysts believe the presence of top political figures at the same forum signals renewed momentum toward strengthening opposition influence and possibly reshaping the country’s political landscape. However, no official communiqué outlining final resolutions had been released at the time of filing this report.

Obasanjo, Atiku, Kwankwaso Lead Opposition Unity Talks in Ibadan Summit

Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries

President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong directive to governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), mandating them to ensure free, fair, and rancour-free primaries while granting them full autonomy under the Electoral Act.

The directive followed a strategic meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where governors met with the President to discuss preparations for the party’s primaries ahead of the general elections.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed Bago said the governors visited the President to appreciate his support and received what he described as a “marching order” to successfully conduct the primaries.

According to him, Tinubu empowered the governors to adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, provided such decisions align with the law and are accepted by all aspirants.

The meeting, which began around 5 p.m. at the President’s Conference Room, had in attendance key APC governors, including Hope Uzodimma, Inuwa Yahaya, Babagana Zulum, Hyacinth Alia, Biodun Oyebanji, Peter Mbah, and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, among others.

Discussions focused on conducting transparent APC primaries that would strengthen party unity and position it effectively for upcoming elections.

READ ALSO:

• Panic in Oyo as Stray Elephant Invades Community, One Dead
• Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026
• VIDEO: Adelabu Storms Ibadan, Draws Massive Crowd from Airport to Residence

Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC has clarified that there will be no automatic tickets for the President or first-term governors, opening the contest to all qualified aspirants.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, disclosed that the party has adopted both direct and consensus primary options, with a clear condition that consensus must be agreed upon by all aspirants or it will revert to direct primaries.

He emphasised that APC nomination forms are open to all interested Nigerians, dismissing speculation that the process would favour specific candidates.

The party also released a revised timetable in line with the amended Electoral Act 2026 and guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Sales of nomination forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026, while submission of completed forms closes on May 4, 2026. Screening of aspirants is scheduled between May 6 and May 9, with results to be published on May 11.

Primary elections will hold across categories, culminating in the APC presidential primary on May 23, 2026, following an adjustment from the earlier date of May 15–16.

The party also confirmed that updated membership records have been transmitted to INEC, ensuring compliance with electoral requirements.

Tinubu’s directive is widely seen as a move to promote internal democracy, transparency, and party discipline, while preventing disputes that could weaken the APC ahead of the elections.

Political observers note that opening the race to all aspirants could intensify competition but also enhance credibility if managed effectively.

Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries