PDP Defends Makinde Over 'Wetie' Comment, Accuses APC of Political Intimidation

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly refuted accusations that Governor Seyi Makinde's recent remarks at a summit constituted a call to violence. Instead, the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, asserts that Makinde's reference to the historical 'wetie' violence was a crucial historical caution to President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and national institutions. The party argues that these entities are creating an environment ripe for political tension and potential violence leading up to the 2027 general elections.

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The use of history in the way and manner done by Governor Makinde in the said speech served as a caution and advisory to the Federal Government, the APC, and other national institutions, of the unmitigated crisis that their actions and inactions can result in.

The PDP contends that the APC and the Federal Government have misinterpreted Makinde's historical allusion. The opposition party maintains that the Oyo State Governor merely used a historical parallel to warn against the dangers of political repression and the suppression of opposition voices. According to the PDP, only a guilty party, or one acting with malicious intent, would interpret Makinde's cautionary tale as a threat. The party emphasizes that ignoring historical lessons, especially those involving political greed and the erosion of good governance, can lead to severe and immeasurable consequences.

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only a guilty aggressor can interpret it to mean a threat or call to violence.

Furthermore, the PDP accuses the APC of engaging in 'elected totalitarianism' and creating conditions reminiscent of past crises. The party draws parallels between the current political climate and the events that led to the 'wetie' crisis, while also recalling past inflammatory statements made by APC figures when they were in opposition. The PDP asserts that the ruling party lacks the moral standing to accuse others of inciting violence, given its own history. The party vows to resist any attempts to establish a one-party state and pledges to employ stronger legal and democratic measures to safeguard Nigeria's democracy. Ultimately, the PDP places the responsibility for any pre- or post-election violence squarely on the Federal Government, the APC, and other institutions tasked with upholding democratic processes.

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Governor Makinde offered a sobering reminder that when insatiable political greed and avarice replace patriotism and good governance… the resultant conflagration will be of immeasurable proportion.