Photo: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu endorses Deputy Obafemi Hamzat at the Lagos State House Marina on Monday.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday announced the endorsement of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Sanwo-Olu told journalists after a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the governorship seat before members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders.

Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision reached by stakeholders present.

He described Hamzat as prepared and capable of leading the state.

“We just received Mr Deputy, who had come with a very powerful delegation of our leaders in the state to inform us of his intention to contest for the seat of the governorship position of the state,” the governor said.“It was unanimous with all of us to say that Mr Deputy Governor is a man who is fit and well-prepared for this job.

He is a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are.”

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Hamzat’s experience and working relationship with him over the past seven years, noting his “integrity, loyalty, commitment, and support” as defining qualities.

Photo: Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had during Saturday April 25 Ibadan meeting of opposition parties (PDP and ADC) cautioned the Federal Government against suppressing the political will of Nigerians, recalling that the historic ‘Operation We tie’ crisis began in Ibadan.

Operation “We tie” was a violent political uprising that took place in Western Nigeria in 1965. It stemmed from a 1962 power struggle within the ruling Action Group party between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, which later escalated following the disputed 1965 elections.

In a communique issued after the meeting, the opposition leaders warned the APC-led Federal Government against turning Nigeria into a one-party state, vowing to resist such moves.

They announced plans to present a joint presidential candidate against the ruling party in the 2027 election.

“Wetie”in Nigerian politics refers to Operation Wetie.

Literally it means “wet him/her” in Yoruba. From Yoruba “wẹ̀ ẹ́” = “soak it” or “wet him/her”.

Wetie described dousing political opponents, their houses, cars, or properties with petrol and setting them ablaze.

Historical context

It was the name given to the wave of political violence that rocked Nigeria’s Western Region in the mid-1960s, especially after the disputed 1965 Western Region elections.

The elections were widely alleged to be rigged in favor of the ruling faction, sparking riots, arson, and killings.

“Wild Wild West”

Because of the chaos, the Western Region was nicknamed the “Wild Wild West”.

The breakdown helped trigger the collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic and paved the way for the January 1966 military coup.

How it’s used in politics today

Politicians invoke “Operation Wetie” as a warning about political intolerance, rigging, and one-party dominance.

Recent example

In April 2026, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde referenced it at an opposition summit in Ibadan.

He said:

“For those that are carrying on as if there’s no tomorrow. They should remember that ‘Operation Wetie’ started from here. This is the same Wild Wild West”.

He was cautioning against moves toward one-party rule and the weakening of opposition parties.

The APC criticized the remark as “reckless incitement to violence”.

Key lessons tied to it

1. Political rivalry shouldn’t override peace – The 1965 crisis showed how disputed elections and intolerance can spiral into arson and killings.

2. Danger of weak opposition

“Wetie” is now shorthand for what happens when democratic checks fail and power is overly consolidated.

3. Historical memory – 60 years later, it’s still used to remind leaders: those who do not know history are doomed to repeat its failures”.

So when you hear “wetie” in Nigerian politics today, it’s basically code for political violence triggered by rigging/exclusion and politicians use it to warn against repeating that dark chapter.

Want me to break down what actually happened in the 1965 Western Region election that started it?

(Credit: Metal AI)

Police on Wednesday disrupted a planned political gathering of supporters of former governor Gbenga Daniel at his GRA residence Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun State.

The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“Police stormed the Obanta Club area and blockaded OGD’s residence to deny access to the venue of the BAT/OGD Community Assessment and Review Tour scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026,” said an aide to the former governor, who currently represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.

It was learned that security agents blocked all access routes to Daniel’s residence, effectively preventing members of the group from holding their meeting.

The BAT/OGD; Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement, is a grassroots political platform mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, alongside Daniel’s anticipated return to the Senate.

The programme, convened under the Gateway Front Foundation; an initiative of Senator Daniel, has traditionally served as a platform for empowering constituents across the senatorial district.It was gathered that no fewer than 10,000 beneficiaries were expected to benefit from the outreach.

However, the heavy presence of security operatives reportedly forced organisers and participants to abandon the event.

Eyewitnesses said many supporters were left stranded and visibly distraught, as they could not gain entry to the venue due to the blockade.