By BONIFACE AKARAH

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of inciting violence following comments he made at an opposition summit in Ibadan, describing the governor as “unworthy” of his office.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said Makinde’s reference to the historical “Operation Wetie” amounted to reckless rhetoric capable of threatening national peace and security.

“The APC categorically condemns Governor Makinde’s incitement as reckless, and a clear and present threat to peace and national security,” Morka said.

The party argued that it was troubling for a sitting governor, who serves as chief security officer of his state, to invoke what it described as one of Nigeria’s darkest episodes of political violence.

“It is particularly disturbing… to conjure up one of the darkest episodes of political violence in Nigeria’s history to threaten violence against the people and government of Nigeria,” he stated.

According to the APC, Makinde’s comments should not be dismissed as routine political opposition but as statements with the potential to inflame tensions.

“Makinde’s violent rhetoric cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing. His statement risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness capable of undermining national stability,” Morka added.

The party called on security and intelligence agencies to take the development seriously and act to safeguard lives and property.

It also warned that constitutional immunity does not shield public office holders from accountability.

“Constitutional immunity from prosecution is not immunity from accountability for threats or acts against national security,” the statement said.

The APC further dismissed opposition claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, attributing internal crises within opposition parties to what it described as poor leadership and persistent factionalisation.

The party took aim at major opposition platforms, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleging that their challenges were self-inflicted.

“The opposition parties are victims of self-inflicted injuries arising from anti-democratic practices, poor leadership and internal contradictions,” Morka said.

He added that Nigerians would ultimately judge political parties based on their ability to present credible alternatives.

“Our democracy is founded on the idea of competing visions of governance… their failure to articulate any alternative vision is on them,” he said.

The APC reiterated its commitment to democratic governance under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that it would continue to organise and mobilise ahead of the 2027 general elections.