Turaki-led PDP Faults APC, Tinubu Over Political Tension, Defends Makinde’s ‘Wetie’ remark
The Taminu Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Federal Government of fueling rising political tension following reactions to remarks by Seyi Makinde at an opposition summit in Ibadan.
In a statement on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said Makinde’s reference to “wetie” was historical and cautionary, not an incitement to violence as alleged by the APC.
The party explained that the comment was intended to draw lessons from Nigeria’s political past and caution against bad governance, repression, and public frustration that could trigger instability.
According to the PDP, the ruling party’s reaction amounts to political panic and misinterpretation, arguing that only those with guilty intentions would construe the statement as incitement.
The opposition further accused the APC of heightening tensions through intimidation and persecution of opposition figures, warning that such actions could undermine democratic stability ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also recalled that the APC, while in opposition, once made remarks about rendering the country ungovernable, insisting the ruling party lacks moral grounds to criticise historical references by others.
The PDP warned that sustained pressure on opposition parties could provoke stronger lawful resistance against what it described as attempts to impose a one-party system.
While reaffirming its commitment to democracy, the party urged the Federal Government, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process.
It added that responsibility for any political violence before or after the 2027 elections would rest on those in power, whom it accused of creating conditions that fuel tension.
