PDP Defends Governor Makinde Against Incitement Allegations Following Historical Reference to Operation Wetie

Oyo PDP defends Governor Makinde’s "Operation Wetie" comment, calling APC’s reaction hypocritical and a distortion of a historical warning.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 4:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Defense of Historical Rhetoric in Modern Politics

The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has formally responded to criticisms leveled against Governor Seyi Makinde following his comments at a recent opposition summit in Ibadan. The party characterized the All Progressives Congress’ reaction as hypocritical, arguing that the governor was invoking history as a cautionary tale rather than a weapon of incitement. According to publicity secretary Ogunsina Michael, the attempt to vilify Makinde represents a growing pattern of intolerance toward dissenting voices within the national political landscape.

Context of the Operation Wetie Reference

During his welcome address at the summit, Governor Makinde referenced "Operation Wetie," a slogan associated with political violence and arson during Nigeria’s First Republic. He cautioned those in power to remember that such historic upheavals began in the Western region, often referred to as the "Wild Wild West." The APC’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, had earlier accused the governor of inciting violence, a claim the PDP insists is a deliberate distortion of the governor's intent to promote democratic accountability.

Comparative Analysis of APC Leadership Rhetoric

In its rebuttal, the PDP pointed to the political histories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari. The party noted that both leaders built their opposition identities on highly mobilizing and confrontational rhetoric. The statement highlighted how Tinubu once declared that political power "must be fought for" and how Buhari issued hardline warnings regarding electoral outcomes during his years in the opposition. The PDP argues that the APC is now applying a double standard to historical references it once utilized.