The Oyo State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by State Chairman Otunba Moses-Alake Adeyemo, today paid a high-profile courtesy visit to former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, at his Felele residence in Ibadan.
The purpose of the visit was part of the party’s broader effort to meet key political figures and form a formidable structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the gathering, Otunba Moses-Alake Adeyemo emphasized that the state executive’s aim is to tap into the deep wealth of experience harbored by party chieftains across the state.
He singled out Arapaja as a household name whose grassroots influence extends beyond Oyo State to national and international spheres.
Adeyemo noted that Arapaja’s political strategy had previously dealt major blows to the APC during the 2019 and 2023 electoral cycles. Consequently, the party views his return to the progressive fold as a decisive political advantage.
“We have come to greet you as we are doing for all our key leaders. You are vital to the party and the state executive.
“We were delighted when we heard of your decision to join us, and we assure you that you will not regret this step. We acknowledge your capacity, and we urge you to intensify efforts to bring like-minded individuals together so we can deliver massive votes for all our candidates in 2027.” Otunba Adeyemo stated.
In his response, Ambassador Arapaja expressed deep gratitude for the honour, describing his defection as a long-awaited homecoming to progressive fold.
Speaking on his political philosophy, Arapaja stressed that loyalty must be absolute—a principle he inherited from his late father, who maintained unwavering allegiance to Chief Obafemi Awolowo until his passing on a campaign rostrum in 1978.
Arapaja publicly apologized for his former alignment with Governor Seyi Makinde, acknowledging that his past backing was driven by his belief in absolute loyalty but Governor Seyi Makinde ended up letting many supporters down.
He further explained that the issue of loyalty and its reciprocal nature was one of the major factors behind his decision to leave the political camp he once supported. According to Arapaja, political loyalty should not be treated as a one-way obligation, stressing that those who remain committed to a political cause and leadership also expect their loyalty to be recognised and reciprocated. He contrasted this with his understanding of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political philosophy, which, in his view, places considerable emphasis on loyalty, commitment and reciprocity within political relationships.
He expressed full readiness to share his political experience with the electorate to help shape their decisions for 2027.
Furthermore, Arapaja expressed his readiness to personally lead internal reconciliation efforts to appease aggrieved aspirants and foster a true sense of belonging.
Speaking on the upcoming general elections, Arapaja emphasized that securing a second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be a primary objective for the region, noting that the South-West has benefited greatly under the current administration. He cited the approval by the President for the reconstruction of eight major roads across Oyo state which are going on simultaneously.
Arapaja also drew attention to the broader financial and developmental support available to states under the Tinubu administration. He argued that the Federal Government’s interventions should not be viewed only through the lens of federal road projects, but also in terms of the increased resources and opportunities available to sub-national governments. The Presidency has stated that states and local governments have greater resources to invest in their people under the current administration.
He therefore questioned whether Oyo State has been able to fully translate the opportunities and resources available to it into tangible development for residents, stressing that federal support can only produce its full impact when state-level authorities effectively deploy available resources and implement projects that directly benefit the people.
Arapaja who pledged 100 percent readiness to work for total victory of the APC, expressed confidence that the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Barr. Sarafadeen Alli, alongside three senatorial, 14 House of Representatives, and 32 State Assembly candidates—will sweep the polls.
Other members of the state executives include State Secretary Hon. Fatai Adeshina, Woman Leader Dr. Felicia Opatunde, Youth Leader Hon. Lekan Glory, Publicity Secretary Hon. Olawale Sadare, alongside Hon. Taofeek Arowomole, Hon. Kola Amoo, Sayo Fatoki, Hon. Samuel Oke, Muse Osundara and others.
