RismadarVoice Reporters, April 27, 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pushed back against criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over remarks made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, at an opposition summit in Ibadan, insisting that the ruling party is responsible for rising political tensions in the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Makinde’s reference to the historical “Operation Wetie” crisis was not an incitement to violence but a cautionary reminder of the consequences of political intolerance.
The party accused the APC and the Federal Government of misinterpreting the governor’s comments, arguing that only those “troubled by their own actions” would see the historical reference as a call to violence.
According to the PDP, the governor’s remarks were intended to warn against what it described as growing threats to democratic space, including alleged suppression of opposition voices.
The party further alleged that current political developments under the APC mirror past events that led to political unrest, warning that continued “political recklessness” could have serious consequences if not addressed.
The PDP also accused the ruling party of double standards, referencing past comments by APC figures while in opposition, and questioned the party’s moral authority to criticise Makinde.
It maintained that opposition parties would continue to adopt lawful strategies to resist what it described as attempts to impose a one-party system.
The statement added that responsibility for any breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 general elections should be placed on the Federal Government, the APC, and relevant national institutions.
The PDP’s response comes amid an ongoing exchange between both parties over Makinde’s remarks, with the APC earlier condemning the governor and describing his comments as capable of inciting violence.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no fresh response from the APC or the Federal Government to the PDP’s latest claims.
