By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde of inciting violence through comments allegedly made at an opposition summit in Ibadan, declaring that the Governor was “unworthy of the office” he occupies.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, 26 April, 2026, and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
According to the APC, Makinde, while addressing opposition political parties in Ibadan on Saturday,25 April, 2026 referenced the violent history of “Operation Wetie” while warning against what he described as Nigeria’s descent into a one-party state.
The ruling party described the remarks as reckless and dangerous to national peace and security.
“The All Progressives Congress categorically condemns Governor Makinde’s incitement as reckless, and a clear and present threat to peace and national security,” the statement said.
The APC argued that it was troubling for a sitting Governor, who also serves as chief security officer of his state, to invoke one of the darkest periods of political violence in Nigeria’s history.
It maintained that by allegedly encouraging violence, Makinde had shown himself “unworthy of the high office of Governor.”
The party warned that the comments should not be dismissed as routine opposition rhetoric, insisting they could trigger anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability.
It therefore called on relevant security and intelligence agencies to take the matter seriously and act to protect lives, property and the country’s democratic order.
“Makinde must be reminded that constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security,” the statement added.
The APC dismissed claims by opposition parties that Nigeria was sliding into one-party dominance, describing such narratives as attempts to conceal internal crises.
It argued that opposition parties were victims of self-inflicted problems caused by poor leadership, anti-democratic practices, disregard for due process, factional disputes and conflicting presidential ambitions.
The party specifically blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis on internal decisions surrounding its 2023 presidential ticket, alleging that Atiku Abubakar undermined the party’s zoning arrangement.
It criticised the Labour Party, claiming it was weakened by the political movement of its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In addition, the APC dismissed the African Democratic Congress coalition platform as ineffective, alleging that opposition figures had destabilised it rather than build durable political structures.
The ruling party said Nigerians were discerning enough to know that parties unable to manage their internal affairs could not be trusted with governing Africa’s most populous nation.
It further contended that opposition leaders had failed to present any credible alternative vision for development beyond fearmongering against the APC.
“Our great party rejects the veiled expectation of opposition leaders that the APC would help them manage their internal affairs,” the statement said, adding that the party would continue to plan, organise and mobilise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC insisted that Nigeria’s democratic space remained vibrant, noting that nearly two dozen political parties were freely participating in the electoral process.
It reaffirmed that, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions, upholding the rule of law and delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda for peace, unity and prosperity.
