In a significant political development, Team Arapaja in Ibadan North-East Local Government and members of the Bayo Adelabu Foundation have formally declared their support for Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, pledging to work for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development represents a fresh boost for the APC in Ibadan North-East, Governor Seyi Makinde’s local government, as Arapaja intensifies grassroots mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other APC candidates.
The delegation, led by Mr. Arimi Rasheed, included Hon. Kazeem Adedeji, Iyalaje Dupe Ganiyu and other political stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Adeyemi Adetunji, Chairman of the Bayo Adelabu Foundation, explained that after years of political association with Adelabu and uncertainty about his present political direction, members had resolved to adopt Arapaja as their new political leader, citing confidence in his leadership and political experience.
The meeting attracted prominent APC leaders, including Hon. Iyiola Ibrahim, candidate for the Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency; Hon. Akeem Olatunji Akogun; Hon. Azeez Alewure, APC Chairman in Ibadan North-East; Hon. Lawal Akindele Binladin, campaign manager for Ibadan North-East; Hon. Sina Olapoju; Hon. Sunday Babatunde; Hon. Mrs. Bunmi Bankole; Hon. Mrs. Monisola Tegbe; Banjo Bigger; Hon. Fadipe; Hon. Kamo Surveyor, Hon. Iyiola Mutairu and other stakeholders.
The APC Chairman in Ibadan North-East, Hon. Azeez Alewure, commended Arapaja’s grassroots influence and assured the new members of an inclusive political environment and a level playing field within the party.
Hon. Iyiola Ibrahim also praised Arapaja’s mobilisation strength, thanking party leaders for their support. He promised that, if elected, he would provide accessible and effective representation, prioritising constituency development, youth empowerment and the welfare of the people.
Hon. Akeem Olatunji Akogun urged all members to return to their respective wards and intensify mobilisation for every APC candidate, stressing that unity, commitment and grassroots engagement would be essential to electoral victory.
In his remarks, Arapaja recalled the decisive role played by Ibadan North-East during his 2003 House of Representatives election, explaining that votes from the local government helped neutralise an estimated 2,000-vote deficit in Ibadan South-East and contributed significantly to his victory.
He expressed appreciation to the people for their longstanding support, declaring that anyone who underestimated their political influence had failed to understand the strength of the grassroots.
Arapaja criticised leaders who once opposed godfatherism but later appeared to embrace an emperor-like style of leadership, insisting that genuine leadership must be built on consultation, fairness and reciprocal loyalty.
“Only a fool would describe this kind of gathering as paperweight. We have only just started. We are determined to expand our structure and work towards a change of government in Oyo State,” Arapaja declared.
He further emphasised that loyalty must be reciprocal, urging political leaders to respect those who contribute to building their political structures.
Reflecting on the sacrifices he made during the 2019 political coalition, including spending weeks in Abuja, Arapaja urged members to put past differences aside and work collectively for the party’s success.
Arapaja charged Team Arapaja and members of the Bayo Adelabu Foundation to return to their communities and mobilise aggressively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Hon. Iyiola Ibrahim and all other APC candidates.
He assured them of his continued support, urging them to remain focused and committed to the collective mission of strengthening the APC and securing victory in the 2027 elections.
The declaration further underscores the growing political realignment around Arapaja and the APC’s determination to expand its grassroots influence across Oyo State.
