Majeed Dahiru, a public affairs analyst, has said credible elections are the only way to prevent civil unrest in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
Dahiru spoke during an interview on Nigeria Info FM while reacting to the “Operation Wetie” remark made by Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, at the opposition summit in Ibadan.
Makinde had warned that attempts to stifle opposition could trigger resistance, referencing Operation Wetie — a violent political crisis in the Western Region in the 1960s.
The crisis, which involved rival factions of the defunct Action Group loyal to Obafemi Awolowo and Samuel Akintola, saw widespread violence, including arson attacks on homes and vehicles.
DON’T RIG ELECTION
However, Dahiru said Makinde’s comment should be understood as a warning against electoral manipulation rather than a call to violence.
“Any reference to Operation Wetie in that context is an attempt to draw attention to what is likely to be people’s resistance when electoral subterfuge is introduced,” he said.
He argued that unrest is often a reaction to flawed elections, not the cause of instability.
“The only thing that can threaten Nigeria’s social cohesion is the rigging of elections, not the reaction that follows,” he said.
Dahiru said preventing electoral malpractice is key to avoiding post-election crises.
“To prevent Operation Wetie in 2027 is not to rig elections. Elections must be free and fair,” he said.
He added that history shows peaceful outcomes when elections are credible.
“In 1993, the election was free and fair, and there was no unrest. In 2015, the opposition won, and there was no crisis,” he said.
Dahiru maintained that Nigerians are more likely to accept outcomes when the process is transparent.
“Operation Wetie will only happen if elections are perceived to be rigged. Elections must not only be free and fair but must be seen to be so,” he said.
He concluded that ensuring electoral integrity remains the most effective way to safeguard stability in the country.
