Arapaja Continues Mobilization For Tinubu, Alli, Oseni — Oyo Won’t Allow Emperor

Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has called on the people of Oyo State to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) and vote for the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Arapaja made the call at a political engagement organised by the United Like-Minds Forum (ULF) at the David Family International Christian Centre, Felele, Ibadan.

The former Deputy Governor, who spoke extensively on political representation, development and the need for continuity at the federal level, particularly canvassed support for Hon. Remi Oseni, describing his antecedents and interventions as indications of his capacity to deliver effective representation if elected to the Senate.

In a statement made available to journalists by his Personal Assistant, Bamitale Ibrahim, Arapaja commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the ongoing federal infrastructure interventions across Oyo State, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of several federal roads.

He urged the people of the state to support President Tinubu for a second term, arguing that continuity would allow ongoing projects and reforms to receive sustained attention.

Arapaja also expressed his support for Senator Sarafa Alli’s gubernatorial ambition, describing him as a seasoned grassroots politician with extensive political experience and a deep understanding of the people and political structure of Oyo State. He noted that Alli’s years of service, accessibility and grassroots engagement have positioned him as a credible candidate capable of providing purposeful leadership and inclusive governance. Arapaja urged the people of Oyo State to give Senator Sarafa Alli their support, expressing confidence that his experience, competence and understanding of the state would translate into effective leadership and sustainable development when elected Governor in 2027.

Arapaja also spoke favourably about Hon. Remi Oseni’s empowerment initiatives, describing the scale of his interventions as remarkable.

He cited the empowerment of constituents with ₦1 million each, as well as the distribution of transformers to communities, as examples of interventions that directly impact the lives of ordinary people.

According to him, Oseni’s performance demonstrates what is possible when elected representatives make the welfare of their constituents a priority.

Arapaja expressed confidence that Oseni would perform even better if given the opportunity to represent the people at the National Assembly, urging constituents to support his senatorial ambition.

The political leader attended the programme alongside APC candidates and stakeholders from the Ibadan South East/North East federal constituency, including Hon. Iyiola Ibrahim, Hon. Waris Adegoke and Hon. Hamsat Wasiu, Hon Shina Olapoju, Hon. Alade Sarafa ,Hon. Sunday Babatunde, Hon. Taofeek Adeshina, Hon Alatise Dolapo, Hon Mutairu Iyiola,Hon. Adeniyi Coilins, Hon Sunbo among other party leaders and supporters.

Speaking on the political development in Oyo State, Arapaja recalled his involvement in the political engagements that preceded the 2023 general elections.

He recalled being part of a delegation that visited the Muslim community at Adogba Mosque, Ibadan, at a time when sections of the Muslim community were 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, having noted that the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, a Muslim, had also served for two terms.

According to him, the understanding 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 disappointment that the political understanding was allegedly not respected when the time came to determine the succession arrangement.

Arapaja described the alleged attempt to secure a third term through a preferred successor as unacceptable, stressing that Oyo State should not be subjected to the control of any individual.

“We all kicked against godfatherism. We cannot now allow anyone to turn himself into an emperor in Oyo State. The people must remain the ultimate owners of the state.”

Speaking at the event, Hon. Remi Oseni assured the people that, if elected, he would remain committed to delivering on his mandate and providing effective 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, 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.