The National Publicity Secretary of the Kabiru Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Ememobong, has defended Governor Seyi Makinde’s reference to “Operation Wetie,” saying the remark was a historical warning against political excesses, not a threat.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ememobong said critics had misconstrued the Oyo governor’s comments, which were made during a summit of opposition political leaders in Ibadan on Saturday.
Makinde, while warning against the dangers of a one-party state, had said, “For those who are carrying on as if there is no tomorrow, they should remember that ‘Operation Wetie’ started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West.”
The comment triggered criticism from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, describing it as “reckless” and capable of threatening national peace.
But Ememobong rejected that interpretation, saying the governor was drawing lessons from history to caution political actors against repeating past mistakes.
“Everyone should commend Governor Seyi Makinde for reminding us of the circumstances and the consequences. What is the essence of history if it does not teach? Those who neglect history are doomed by it,” he said.
He stressed that Makinde’s reference to the violence that rocked Nigeria’s Western Region after the disputed 1965 elections — widely known as “Operation Wetie” — was meant as a reminder of the dangers of political instability.
“It is not the re-enactment of ‘Operation Wetie’. It is a reminder, a cautionary sign. That is why you have guardrails and caution signs of speed bumps ahead,” Ememobong added.
He said the governor’s remarks sought to highlight parallels between past and present political tensions and urge stakeholders to act responsibly.
Responding to concerns that the statement suggested a “do-or-die” political posture, the PDP spokesperson said the opposition’s focus extends beyond winning elections to protecting Nigeria’s democratic space.
He accused the ruling party of actions capable of weakening opposition structures and heightening political tensions nationwide.
Ememobong also said recent opposition engagements, including the Ibadan summit, were aimed at resisting the emergence of a one-party state and preserving democratic competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, ongoing discussions among opposition leaders could ultimately produce a united front, potentially with a single presidential candidate to challenge the ruling party.
