The war of words between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State intensified at the weekend, following comments attributed to Governor Seyi Makinde during a political meeting in Ibadan.
The APC had earlier in a statement by It’s publicity secretary Olawale Sadare criticised participants at the meeting, describing them as “clownish characters” who lack the capacity to contribute meaningfully to democracy and good governance in the country.
In a statement, the party also raised concerns over what it termed an “Operation Wetie” threat allegedly made by the governor, warning that it would not be taken lightly. The APC, however, expressed confidence that the 2027 general elections would be peaceful, credible, and free of violence, adding that Makinde would be held accountable for alleged cases of abuse of office and corruption.
Responding, the Oyo State chapter of the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Ogunsina Oluwaseun Micheal, described the APC’s reaction as disingenuous and a deliberate distortion of historical facts for political advantage.
The PDP argued that the APC, during its years in opposition, relied heavily on strong and confrontational rhetoric to mobilise public support, noting that such records remain in the public domain. It referenced past statements by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari, which it said shaped political engagement at the time.
According to the PDP, it is inconsistent for the ruling party to criticise Governor Makinde for referencing historical events as a caution against political intolerance.
“Governor Makinde did not call for violence but merely invoked history as a warning,” the statement noted, adding that attempts to portray his remarks as incitement were misleading and politically motivated.
The PDP further accused the APC of showing intolerance toward dissenting voices, warning that such actions could undermine democratic principles. It also linked the controversy to growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration, citing economic challenges and what it described as a widening gap between government promises and realities.
Reaffirming its position, the PDP maintained that democracy thrives on open discourse and plurality of opinions, urging the APC to apply the same standards to its past political conduct.
The party expressed confidence in Governor Makinde’s commitment to democratic values, responsible governance, and political maturity, insisting that attempts to discredit him would not succeed.
