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What Does Makinde’s ‘Operation Wetie’ Allusion Mean in Nigerian Politics?

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

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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)

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Politics

APC Postpones House of Representatives Primary to Saturday

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, May 16, 2026.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the party said the adjustment affects only the House of Representatives primary, while the dates for other primaries remain unchanged.

According to the new timetable released by the APC:

  • House of Representatives Primary: Saturday, 16th May, 2026
  • Senate Primary: Monday, 18th May, 2026
  • State House of Assembly Primary: Wednesday, 20th May, 2026
  • Governorship Primary: Thursday, 21st May, 2026
  • Presidential Primary: Saturday, 23rd May, 2026

The party assured stakeholders that the shift was necessary and that all other arrangements for the primaries would proceed as planned.

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Politics

Makinde to declare presidential ambition on Thursday

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM)…

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Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday, 14 May, during a major political rally scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), as well as candidates aligned with the emerging coalition being championed by the Oyo State governor and his loyalists.

Reports indicate that preparations for the rally have intensified amid growing political realignments within Oyo State and the wider South-West region.

Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of Governor Makinde are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.

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Politics

APC Warns Aspirants Against Violence, Anti-Party Activities Ahead of Primaries

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The All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged all aspirants contesting on the platform of the party to maintain discipline, maturity, and sportsmanship ahead of the 2027 party primaries.

In a statement, Yilwatda said that the APC remains committed to conducting transparent, peaceful, and credible primaries capable of strengthening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the ruling party.

Yilwatda warned that the party leadership would not tolerate acts capable of disrupting the primaries, including violence, unrest, anti-party activities, or attempts to compromise the integrity of the process.

He stressed that any aspirant or supporter found culpable would face severe sanctions, including suspension from the party, adding that no personal ambition should override the collective interest of the APC and national stability.

The APC chairman reminded aspirants that democratic contests naturally produce winners and non-winners, urging all contestants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith.

According to him, democracy thrives on healthy competition, mutual respect, and acceptance of results, while aspirants must see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct should reflect the values and vision of the APC.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting unity within the party, and called on party members and stakeholders to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid divisive actions capable of overheating the political environment or undermining progress already recorded by the administration.

Highlighting achievements of the Tinubu administration, the APC chairman pointed to ongoing investments in road infrastructure, rail transportation, energy, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the solid minerals sector.

He noted that the administration’s reforms are aimed at repositioning Nigeria for long-term economic growth, job creation, food security, and the attainment of a one trillion dollar economy through strategic investments and industrial expansion.

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