An imminent mass defection that could drastically reshape the political landscape of Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections today 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 Folorunsho Lana, Hon. Ogunsina Muritala Niyi, Hon. Peter Olusina 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.
“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,” the communiqué concluded.
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.
