2027: Arapaja Explains Why He Left Makinde, Pledges Support for Oyo APC

…As former Oyo Deputy Governor pledges support for APC, promises to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of 2027

Former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has explained that his decision to leave the political camp of Governor Seyi Makinde was influenced by what he described as a lack of reciprocity in political loyalty.

Arapaja said his previous support for Makinde was based on his belief in absolute loyalty, but added that his experience subsequently made him reconsider his political alignment.

Speaking when the Oyo State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by its Chairman, Otunba Moses-Alake Adeyemo, paid him a courtesy visit at his Felele residence in Ibadan, Arapaja stressed that political loyalty should be reciprocal.

According to him, politicians who remain committed to a leader and political cause also expect their loyalty and commitment to be recognised in return.

Arapaja, who described his return to the APC as a long-awaited homecoming, said his political philosophy was shaped by the principle of loyalty which he inherited from his late father, who, according to him, remained loyal to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo until his death.

He said he was prepared to deploy his political experience to reconcile aggrieved members and aspirants within the APC, with a view to strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, the APC State Chairman, Chief Alake Adeyemo, said the visit was part of efforts by the party’s leadership to engage key stakeholders and harness their experience in building a stronger political structure ahead of the elections.

Adeyemo described Arapaja as a major political figure with considerable grassroots influence, urging him to help mobilise like-minded politicians and supporters for the APC.

The APC chairman said the party was pleased with Arapaja’s decision to return to its fold, adding that his experience would be valuable to the party’s campaign and reconciliation efforts.

On the 2027 elections, Arapaja said the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be a major objective for the South-West.

He pointed to federal interventions in Oyo State, including the approval of reconstruction projects on major roads, as part of the benefits he associated with the Tinubu administration.

Arapaja also said federal support to states should not be viewed only from the perspective of road projects, arguing that increased resources and opportunities available to sub-national governments should be translated into tangible development for residents.

He consequently questioned whether Oyo State had fully utilised the resources and opportunities available to it for the benefit of its people.

Arapaja pledged his full support for the APC and expressed confidence in the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, alongside its candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

He said he was ready to work for the party and expressed confidence in its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

Other members of the APC State Executive Committee who accompanied Adeyemo on the visit included the State Secretary, Hon. Fatai Adeshina; Woman Leader, Dr. Felicia Opatunde; Youth Leader, Hon. Lekan Glory; Publicity Secretary, Hon. Olawale Sadare; Hon. Taofeek Arowomole; Hon. Kola Amoo; Sayo Fatoki; Hon. Samuel Oke and Muse Osundara, among others.