ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has raised alarm over the dangers of one-party dominance in Nigeria, warning that political intolerance could reopen old wounds of violence reminiscent of the infamous “Operation Wetie” crisis in the Western Region during the 1960s.
Makinde gave the warning in Ibadan at the National Summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders, where major opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi and Rauf Aregbesola were in attendance.
He reminded participants of the violent political era that followed the disputed 1965 Western Region elections, which plunged the region into chaos and gave rise to the “Operation Wetie” phenomenon where political opponents’ homes and properties were set ablaze.
“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,” Makinde warned.
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He cautioned that democracy was not destroyed in one sweep but eroded gradually when opposition voices are weakened and political competition is stifled.
According to him, the strength of democracy lies in the availability of real alternatives and the ability of citizens to freely choose leaders.
Makinde further warned that emerging signs of legislative dominance by a single political party, combined with internal crises within opposition groups, could undermine democratic stability if not checked.
“When opposition becomes ineffective, democracy itself loses meaning. Democracy is not defined by the success of one party, it is defined by the existence of real alternatives,” he said.
At the summit, political economist Pat Utomi also painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s economic situation, contrasting rising costs of living with widespread poverty.
He recounted a personal experience of spending about N250,000 on fuel, describing it as symbolic of the widening gap between elites and ordinary citizens.
Utomi argued that economic hardship, insecurity, and declining productivity were compounding national frustration, warning that appeals for patience were becoming increasingly hollow for struggling Nigerians.
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He added that Nigeria’s problem goes beyond economics, describing it as a deeper crisis of leadership and values.
“Leadership without character cannot build a nation. The crisis we face today is not only economic, it is moral,” he said.
The summit centred on concerns over political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, with speakers calling for stronger opposition unity and institutional reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.