Ibadan Opposition Summit And “Operation Wetie” Rhetoric: NDI-ABAT Alerts Tinubu To Alleged 2027 Interim Government Plot By Atiku, Obi, Makinde, And Kwankwaso – NDI-ABAT PRESS RELEASE – 27th April 2026
The NDIGBO FOR TINUBU 2027 FORUM (NDI-ABAT) wishes to bring to the immediate attention of the Presidency and the APC-led Federal Government the unsettling developments unfolding within the opposition coalition, which signal a potentially turbulent and unprecedented presidential election contest in 2027. The Forum has received disturbing reports from the recently concluded National Opposition Summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, where coalition leaders, under the guise of political strategy, allegedly issued a veiled but potent warning to the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It is with grave concern that NDI-ABAT observes that the opposition has openly revived the historical specter of violence by invoking the infamous “1965 Operation Wetie.” This reference, reportedly articulated by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during the summit, is seen as an ominous signal of what may unfold as the 2027 elections approach. The implication appears clear: should the opposition fail to defeat the incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the ballot box, there may be a resort to destabilizing tactics reminiscent of the violent events of 1965.
NDI-ABAT unequivocally condemns this form of political brinkmanship. We state in no uncertain terms that the introduction of violence, the resurfacing of historical wounds, and the use of divisive rhetoric such as “Operation Wetie” have no place in Nigeria’s democratic process. Such rhetoric is deeply troubling and poses a direct threat to the integrity of the 2027 elections and the stability of the Nigerian state.
For clarity, NDI-ABAT raises critical questions: Was it merely coincidental that the opposition chose Ibadan—the city where the 1965 violence erupted—as the venue for this summit? Or is this a deliberate and calculated move to send a dangerous political message? The choice of location and the use of such inflammatory language suggest a possible attempt to weaponize history and instill fear. This raises concerns about whether the opposition intends to pursue a fair electoral contest or manipulate the process through intimidation and unrest.
NDI-ABAT calls on the Federal Government to urgently investigate the implications of the “Operation Wetie” references. Are these political signals in any way connected to the rising wave of insecurity across the country, particularly in the northern regions? Could emerging patterns of violence be linked to a broader strategy to destabilize the nation ahead of the elections? We urge security agencies to thoroughly scrutinize any potential links between the proponents of this rhetoric and ongoing security challenges.
It is the firm position of NDI-ABAT that the opposition coalition may be consolidating efforts not for democratic victory, but for destabilization. Having acknowledged the difficulty of defeating the incumbent through the ballot, there are growing concerns that some actors may be considering alternative routes, including the push for an Interim National Government, possibly led by a former president, should electoral outcomes not favor them.
This is a serious and alarming development that must not be ignored. NDI-ABAT remains steadfast in its commitment to defending democracy and the rule of law. We reject any attempt to weaponize violence, intimidation, or historical conflict for political gain. We stand resolutely in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the mandate freely given to him by the Nigerian people.
We therefore call on the Federal Government to take proactive and decisive steps to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted peacefully, transparently, and without any form of coercion or subversion. Any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy through unlawful means must be firmly resisted.
In conclusion, NDI-ABAT asserts that while some may attempt to resurrect the ghosts of 1965, Nigerians have learned from history and will not succumb to fear or manipulation. Democracy remains the only legitimate path forward for the nation.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
National Coordinator, NDIGBO FOR TINUBU 2027 FORUM (NDI-ABAT)
Dr. Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr.
Secretary General, NDIGBO FOR TINUBU 2027 FORUM (NDI-ABAT)
