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…Says Makinde’s Succession Plot Unacceptable, Mobilises Support For Tinubu, Sarafa Alli
A major political realignment hit Oyo State on Tuesday as former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, formally pitched his tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and called on the people of the state to support the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Arapaja, who recently defected from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to the APC, made the call at a high-powered political engagement organised by the United Like-Minds Forum (ULF) at the David Family International Christian Centre, Felele, Ibadan.
The meeting, which had in attendance leaders of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), APC chieftains, and supporters of Hon. Engr. Dr. Aderemi Abas Oseni, turned into a platform for a major political declaration ahead of 2027.
In a statement made available to journalists, Arapaja commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for ongoing federal infrastructure interventions across Oyo State, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of several federal roads being supervised by the House Committee on FERMA chaired by Hon. Remi Oseni.
He urged the people of the state to support President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, arguing that continuity at the centre would allow ongoing projects, reforms and road infrastructure to receive sustained attention and completion.
Arapaja also openly declared support for the gubernatorial ambition of Senator Sarafadeen Alli, describing him as a seasoned grassroots politician with extensive political experience, deep understanding of Oyo State and unparalleled accessibility to the people.
According to him, Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s years of service, loyalty to the progressive fold, and grassroots engagement have positioned him as a credible and competent candidate capable of providing purposeful leadership and inclusive governance to rescue Oyo State from one-man rule.
He urged the people of Oyo State to rally behind Senator Alli, expressing confidence that his experience and understanding of the state’s political structure would translate into effective leadership and sustainable development when elected Governor in 2027.
Speaking on the Oyo South Senatorial race, Arapaja particularly canvassed support for Hon. Remi Oseni, describing his antecedents and interventions as clear indications of capacity to deliver effective representation if elected to the Senate.
Arapaja spoke favourably about Hon. Remi Oseni’s empowerment initiatives, describing the scale as remarkable and unprecedented in recent legislative history. He cited the empowerment of constituents with ₦1 million each, as well as the distribution of transformers to communities across Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, as examples of interventions that directly impact ordinary people.
“Hon. Remi Oseni’s performance demonstrates what is possible when elected representatives make the welfare of their constituents a priority. If he can do this as a House of Representatives member, he will do even more as a Senator,” Arapaja stated.
He expressed confidence that Hon. Remi Oseni would perform even better at the Red Chamber and urged constituents of Oyo South to support his senatorial ambition.
In a veiled but strong attack on the present administration in Oyo State, Arapaja recalled his involvement in the delicate political engagements that preceded the 2023 general elections.
He disclosed that he was part of a delegation that visited the Muslim community at Adogba Mosque, Ibadan, at a time when sections of the Muslim community were legitimately advocating for a Muslim Governor.
Arapaja explained that the appeal made at the time was for Governor Seyi Makinde to be allowed to complete his constitutionally permitted eight-year tenure, premised on the fact that the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, a Muslim, had also served two terms of eight years.
According to him, the clear understanding reached then was that after the completion of Makinde’s tenure, the opportunity would be given to a Muslim to occupy the governorship of the state.
He, however, expressed deep disappointment that the political understanding and gentleman agreement was allegedly jettisoned when the time came to determine the succession arrangement, with an alleged plot to foist a third-term agenda through a preferred successor.
Describing the move as unacceptable and an insult to the collective intelligence of Oyo people, Arapaja warned that Oyo State must not be subjected to the control of any individual.
“We all kicked against godfatherism in Oyo State. We cannot now allow anyone to turn himself into an emperor in Oyo State. The people must remain the ultimate owners of the state. Oyo State belongs to all of us, not to one man,” Arapaja declared to a loud ovation.
Responding, Hon. Engr. Dr. Aderemi Abas Oseni, who is the Member representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, Chairman, House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency FERMA, and APC Candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, assured the people that if elected into the Senate, he would remain committed to delivering on his mandate and providing effective, people-centred representation.
He promised to build on his existing interventions and ensure that the interests and welfare of his constituents remain central to his legislative responsibilities.
One of the organisers of the programme and Host, Pastor Ayodele Eleko, appreciated the guests, political leaders and supporters who attended the engagement. He expressed confidence in the prospects of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections and called on supporters to remain united and committed to the party’s success.
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