By Adeyinka Adeniran
An imminent mass defection that could reshape the political landscape of Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections on Monday unfolded as all the legislative candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have declared their readiness to follow the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja to any party he decides to lead them to.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday following a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan hosted by Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate and current Acting National Secretary with all the legislative candidates under the party.
The forum, which comprised three Senatorial, 14 House of Representatives, and 32 House of Assembly candidates, unanimously advised Ambassador Arapaja to drop his 2027 governorship ambition under the ruling PDP, the party they termed as “practically defunct” and lead them to an alternative political platform.
Reading the resolutions, which was jointly signed by Barr. Michael Lana, Hon. Ogunsina Muritala Niyi, Hon. Peter Olapoju and Hon. Sunday Babatunde, the candidates strongly condemned Governor Makinde’s leadership style, accusing him of persistent marginalization of party elders and total disregard for their contributions to the party’s growth.
They further labeled the Governor a “serial betrayer” who routinely reneges on political agreements made with those who worked for his success.
The forum noted that recent court verdicts have effectively crippled the party at the national level, leaving its members with no viable future or political security.
Declaring absolute loyalty to “Team Arapaja,” the legislative candidates pledged to follow the former diplomat to any alternative political party he chooses to align with, stressing that their collective interests and the public welfare would be better served elsewhere.
The forum also issued a stern warning to former loyalists turned detractors, urging them to immediately cease hostile attacks against Ambassador Arapaja in exchange for what they termed “crumbs” from the Governor Makinde administration.
The communique reads in parts, “Today, a critical stakeholders’ meeting was convened by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections and current Acting National Secretary of the party, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja.
“The strategic meeting was well-attended by all PDP candidates for the upcoming elections, including three Senatorial candidates, 14 House of Representatives candidates, and 32 House of Assembly candidates in Oyo state.
“Following extensive deliberations on the current state of the party, the political landscape in Oyo State, and the future of its members, the stakeholders unanimously resolved as follows:
“Vote of Confidence in Ambassador Arapaja: The candidates reaffirmed their absolute confidence in the leadership, integrity, and rich political pedigree of Ambassador Arapaja. As a prominent and foundational member of the historic Molete political dynasty, his extensive experience and political influence extend far beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“Condemnation of Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership style: The forum strongly condemned Governor Seyi Makinde for his persistent marginalization of party elders and total disregard for their vital contributions to the party’s growth.
“Furthermore, the governor was accused of being a serial betrayer who consistently reneged on agreements made with those who worked tirelessly for his political success.
“The Inevitable Demise of Oyo PDP: In light of recent court verdicts that have effectively crippled the party, the stakeholders observed that the PDP is practically defunct, offering no viable future or political security for its members.
“Strategic Realignment and Alternative Platforms: Based on the stark reality of the party’s collapse, the forum earnestly advised Ambassador Arapaja to discontinue his 2027 gubernatorial ambition under the banner of the PDP.
“The forum unanimously agreed that it is time to seek a fairer, alternative political platform that will genuinely protect their collective interests and serve the welfare of the general public.
“Unflinching loyalty to Arapaja’s leadership: The candidates declared their unalloyed loyalty to what they termed “Team Arapaja”. They solemnly pledged to follow him to any political party he chooses to align with, affirming that their allegiance remains firmly with him wherever the peoples’ interests are best served.
“Warning to Dissidents and Opportunists: The forum issued a stern warning to certain dissidents and former loyalists who have turned into detractors, attacking Ambassador Arapaja in exchange for crumbs from the Governor Makinde administration. They were urged to cease their hostile actions immediately.
“We, the legislative candidates of the PDP, remain united and resolute to work under the name of Team Arapaja. We stand ready to transition and mobilize toward a new political dawn that guarantees equity, justice, and progress for the people of Oyo State.”
