‘Operation Wetie’: ADC Says Makinde Warned Against Shrinking Political Space

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has thrown its weight behind Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde following controversy surrounding his recent “Operation Wetie” remark, insisting that the statement has been widely misinterpreted.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, in his X post, defended Makinde, arguing that his comments were intended as a cautionary reference to history rather than a call to violence.

Makinde’s reference to Operation Wetie, during last Weekend’s Opposition summit in Ibadan, has sparked debate across political circles. Operation Wetie (English: wet him/her) was a violent protest that took place in Western Nigeria between violent political factions during the First Republic.

However, Abdullahi, in his post, said critics twisting the governor’s words were ignoring the broader message about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and preventing political instability.

“Twisting Governor Makinde’s words won’t change the facts. He was clearly warning about the dangers of shrinking the democratic space and ignoring the signals that precede instability.

“References to history are meant to prevent crisis, not provoke it. If you believe in free, fair, and credible elections, there is nothing to fear. But those working to rig outcomes, silence the opposition, and close the democratic space are the only ones who should feel uneasy. History is meant to teach and to warn. History is not meant to threaten anyone except those who are determined to ignore its lessons,” Abdullahi stated.

The ADC maintained that historical analogies, such as Makinde’s reference, should be understood within the context of political education and democratic vigilance, not as incitement.

The party further stressed that credible elections remain the cornerstone of stability, warning that any attempt to undermine the democratic process could trigger consequences reminiscent of past political crises.