Makinde warns against one-party dominance, says Nigeria must avoid another ‘Operation Wetie’

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has warned against moves towards a one-party system in Nigeria, saying such a development could weaken democratic governance and risk a return to past political unrest.

Speaking at a summit of opposition political party leaders in Ibadan, the governor referenced the country’s history of political violence, particularly the Operation Wetie crisis of the 1960s, as a cautionary example.

Operation Wetie, which erupted after the disputed 1965 Western Region elections, was marked by widespread violence in which political opponents, their homes and property were attacked, often doused with petrol and set ablaze, plunging the region into chaos.

Makinde raised concerns over growing attempts to consolidate legislative control under one party, noting that opposition parties are increasingly weakened by internal crises and legal battles. “This is not something that we should treat lightly. Democracy is not destroyed overnight; it is weakened step by step until people begin to feel it no longer works for them,” he said.

He stressed that democracy thrives on the presence of a strong and effective opposition, warning that the absence of credible alternatives undermines citizens’ ability to make meaningful choices.

The governor also dismissed suggestions that the meeting of opposition leaders was driven by personal ambition, describing it instead as a collective effort to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic system.

According to him, the gathering was not targeted at any individual or political figure, but aimed at ensuring that democracy remains properly defined and functional.

Makinde maintained that no matter how dominant a political party becomes, the existence of a credible opposition is essential to sustaining democratic governance.