A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki has pushed back against criticism from the All Progressives Congress (APC) over comments made at an opposition summit held in Ibadan on April 25, 2026.
In a statement, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, defended references to the historical “wetie” crisis, describing it as a cautionary reminder rather than a call to violence.
“One of their numerous pain points arising therefrom was the historical recollection of ‘wetie’, a sad descent into uncontrollable violence, caused by the political greed of the then ruling party and its concomitant asphyxiation of the opposition,” Ememobong said.
He explained that the reference was made in a speech delivered by Seyi Makinde, who hosted the summit, and was intended to warn against actions that could trigger similar instability.
According to Ememobong, the APC and the federal government misinterpreted the remarks as incitement.
“The federal government and the APC have described that recollection as a call to violence and have since been reacting with the panic of an animal cornered by its own misdeeds,” he stated.
He also argued that invoking history serves as a necessary warning.
“The use of history, served as a caution and advisory of the unmitigated crisis that their actions and inactions can result in.
“Only a guilty aggressor can interpret it to mean a threat or call to violence. It is common knowledge that those who do not learn from history are doomed by it,” he added.
Ememobong maintained that Makinde’s remarks highlighted the dangers of political greed and poor governance, warning that public frustration, if left unchecked, could lead to serious consequences.
“The events that led to the sad incident of ‘wetie’ and the current happenings within the political space are not just similar but identical in both intent and execution,” he said.
He also accused the APC-led government of fostering what he described as “elected totalitarianism,” insisting that current political tensions were a direct result of its actions.
Meanwhile, another faction of the PDP aligned with Nyesom Wike has strongly criticised the comments, distancing itself from any rhetoric linked to past violence.
In a separate statement, its National Publicity Secretary, Haruna Mohammed Jungudo, described the remarks as “disgraceful” and warned against language that could incite unrest.
The faction stressed that violence has no place in Nigeria’s political environment and called for restraint across party lines.
“Nigeria must come first, before politics and before personal ambitions. Without a peaceful and stable nation, no political system or democratic process can thrive,” Jungudo said.
He urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and emphasised the importance of unity and national cohesion.
“Our shared history reminds us of the cost of division and we must remain vigilant in safeguarding the peace we have worked hard to build,” he added.
The faction also called on security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure accountability, regardless of the status of those involved.
Reaffirming its stance, the group said it remains committed to promoting dialogue, tolerance, and adherence to the rule of law.
“Our nation’s future rests on our shared commitment to put the country first, above any individual interest,” Jungudo said.
