APM Members Visit Arapaja, Signal Readiness to Join APC Ahead of 2027

By Maroof Asudemade

Political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State appears to be gathering momentum, as representatives of members of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Akinyele Local Government Area visited former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja, as part of ongoing political consultations.

The delegation, which visited Arapaja at his residence, expressed its readiness to work closely with Team Arapaja in Akinyele and collaborate with the group in its proposed movement towards the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Arapaja following the meeting.

According to the former deputy governor, the visit formed part of broader consultations on a possible new political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

Arapaja said the APM representatives indicated their willingness to join hands with his political structure in Akinyele and contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening the APC at the grassroots.

The delegation comprised Hon. Olukunmi Osuntoki, popularly known as Kunmi Gas; Alhaji Wasiu Omonije; Hon. Adebayo Okekunle; Mr. Ibrahim Sulaimon; and Mr. Lamidi Taofeek.

The delegation was led to Arapaja’s residence by the Team Arapaja Coordinator for Akinyele, Hon. Lawal Rahamon Adewale.

The meeting is coming against the backdrop of political consultations and realignment among political actors and groups in Oyo State as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gradually intensify.

Speaking on the development, Arapaja described the visit as another indication of what he called the growing momentum behind political realignment across the state.

He said the consultations remained focused on building a stronger grassroots political structure and mobilising support for APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

Arapaja, who served as deputy governor of Oyo State, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the party’s grassroots presence and expanding its support base across communities in the state.

He specifically mentioned Senator Sarafa Alli among the APC candidates whose candidacy his political structure would support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former deputy governor said the emerging political engagements were part of efforts to bring together individuals and groups interested in working towards a common political direction.

The latest development in Akinyele adds to the series of consultations taking place among political stakeholders in Oyo State ahead of the next general elections, with political groups and actors positioning themselves for the contests.

While the APM representatives’ visit signals their stated readiness to work with Team Arapaja and move towards the APC, the full details and formal structure of any eventual defection or political realignment would depend on subsequent decisions and processes by the individuals and groups involved.

Arapaja, however, expressed optimism about the emerging alignment, maintaining that his political structure would continue to engage stakeholders at the grassroots and mobilise support for the APC ahead of 2027.

He said the objective remained the building of a stronger grassroots structure capable of supporting the party’s candidates across the state.

The former deputy governor signed the statement in his capacity as Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja.