Why I Returned to APC, Left Makinde’s Camp — Arapaja

Former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has explained his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the need for loyalty and reciprocity influenced his decision to leave the political camp he previously supported.

Arapaja spoke on Wednesday when the Oyo State APC Executive Committee, led by the State Chairman, Otunba Moses-Alake Adeyemo, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Felele, Ibadan.

Adeyemo said the visit was part of the party’s engagement with key political figures as it strengthens its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described Arapaja as a household name with grassroots influence beyond Oyo State and urged him to help mobilise like-minded individuals for the party.

“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,” Adeyemo said.

Responding, Arapaja described his return to the APC as a long-awaited homecoming, saying loyalty had remained a major principle guiding his political philosophy.

He said the principle was influenced by his late father, who maintained unwavering allegiance to Chief Obafemi Awolowo until his death on a campaign platform in 1978.

Arapaja apologised for his former alignment with Governor Seyi Makinde, saying he supported him because of his belief in absolute loyalty but later became disappointed with the outcome.

He said loyalty should not be a one-way obligation, stressing that those committed to a political cause and its leadership also expect their loyalty to be recognised and reciprocated.

Arapaja, who contrasted this with what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s emphasis on loyalty and reciprocity, pledged to lead reconciliation efforts within the APC by reaching out to aggrieved aspirants and other members ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also called for support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, saying the South-West had benefited from the administration. He cited federal interventions in Oyo State, including the reconstruction of eight major roads, while urging the state to make better use of available resources and opportunities.

Arapaja pledged his support for the APC and its candidates in 2027, including governorship candidate Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the party’s three senatorial candidates, 14 House of Representatives candidates and 32 State Assembly candidates.

Other APC state executive members present included the State Secretary, Hon. Fatai Adeshina; Woman Leader, Dr Felicia Opatunde; Youth Leader, Hon. Lekan Glory; Publicity Secretary, Hon. Olawale Sadare; Hon. Taofeek Arowomole; Hon. Kola Amoo; Sayo Fatoki; Hon. Samuel Oke and Muse Osundara, among others.