THREAT TO VIOLENCE: TINUBU AND APC, NOT MAKINDE, ARE TO BLAME

Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, April 26, 2026

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has responded to criticisms from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Federal Government following remarks made by Oyo State Governor, Oluseyi Makinde, during the recently held opposition parties’ national summit in Ibadan.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP dismissed claims that Governor Makinde’s reference to the historical “wetie” crisis constituted a call to violence. Instead, the party described the remarks as a necessary caution rooted in Nigeria’s political history.
According to the PDP, the APC and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have reacted with undue alarm, misinterpreting a historical reflection as a threat. The party argued that only those with “guilty consciences” would perceive such a warning as incitement.

The statement emphasized that Governor Makinde’s speech served as a reminder of the dangers posed when political greed, suppression of opposition, and poor governance converge. It warned that ignoring lessons from history could lead to avoidable crises, noting that past political unrest in Nigeria followed similar patterns.

The PDP further accused the APC-led Federal Government of fostering what it described as “elected totalitarianism,” alleging systematic efforts to weaken opposition parties through intimidation, inducement, and persecution. It argued that such actions mirror conditions that historically triggered political instability.
Drawing comparisons to the APC’s time in opposition, the PDP referenced past rhetoric by APC figures, including threats to make the country “ungovernable,” asserting that the ruling party lacks the moral standing to criticize Makinde’s remarks.

The opposition party maintained that it would continue to pursue lawful and democratic means to resist what it described as attempts to establish a one-party state. It stressed that all its strategies would remain within the bounds of the law.
Finally, the PDP placed responsibility for any potential violence surrounding the 2027 general elections on the Federal Government, the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other national institutions tasked with safeguarding democracy.

“The citizens are fully aware of who the aggressors are,” the statement concluded, adding that efforts by the APC to portray itself as a victim have “failed woefully.”
Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr
National Publicity Secretary
Peoples Democratic Party
April 26, 2026