Arapaja already approaching political retirement, say loyalists 

…Split over alleged APC defection plan 

A faction of supporters of former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja says it will not follow him to the All Progressives Congress, APC, amid reports that he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. 

The split emerged Friday after reports that Arapaja held a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu and was assured of political accommodation and other benefits, according to loyalists who spoke to MOUTHPIECE NGR. 

Several loyalists said Arapaja did not consult his grassroots structure before the move. 

“We’re still very young and very ambitious, he is old and already approaching political retirement,” one loyalist said. “We heard about the assurances he got, including financial support, a vehicle and security arrangements, without consulting any of those who have worked tirelessly with him politically.” 

The group cited his previous defection from the PDP to the APC, saying supporters were “politically humiliated” during that period. 

“We followed him to the APC before and witnessed how he was politically humiliated. That experience remains fresh in our memories. No sensible and grounded politician in Oyo State will abandon certainty for uncertainty,” the loyalist said. 

The loyalists said they respect Arapaja but believe his decision is personal. 

“We believe this journey back to the APC is entirely personal to him and we respect his decision. But we are not moving anywhere with him,” another said. 

A separate group of Arapaja’s supporters issued an earlier statement reaffirming loyalty. 

“We want to make it categorically clear that Arapaja remains our political leader. We are with him, we believe in his leadership, and we shall continue to move with him,” the group said. 

Arapaja has not publicly commented on the reports. The APC and PDP in Oyo State had not responded as of press time.