The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his reference to the historical “Operation Wetie,” insisting that his remarks were misinterpreted and taken out of context by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Sunday, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said Makinde’s comments during the opposition parties’ national summit held in Ibadan on April 25, 2026, were intended as a cautionary reminder, not an incitement to violence.

The party accused the APC and the Federal Government of reacting with “panic,” arguing that only those with a sense of guilt would interpret a historical reference as a threat.

According to the PDP, Makinde’s speech drew lessons from past political unrest to warn against actions that could trigger instability if not properly managed. The party stressed that history shows that unchecked political greed, combined with public frustration, could lead to serious consequences.

“The governor offered a sobering reminder of what can happen when governance is driven by avarice rather than patriotism,” the statement said, adding that such reflections are necessary to prevent a repeat of past crises.

The opposition party further alleged that the current political climate under the APC mirrors the conditions that led to the violence associated with “Operation Wetie,” warning against what it described as a growing trend of “elected totalitarianism.”

It accused the ruling party of undermining democratic institutions and suppressing opposition voices through intimidation, inducement and persecution.

The PDP also took aim at past statements by APC figures while in opposition, claiming they lacked the moral authority to criticise Makinde’s remarks.

“As long as efforts to weaken the opposition persist, parties will continue to adopt lawful strategies to resist any attempt to impose a one-party state,” the statement noted.

The party concluded by holding the Federal Government, the APC, and key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responsible for any violence that may arise before or after the 2027 general elections.