Arapaja’s Political Earthquake Hits Ibadan South East As PDP/APM Loyalists Join APC

The political landscape of Ibadan South East Local Government has received a major boost for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as prominent political actors and loyalists of Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other platforms to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The new entrants, comprising former candidates, former political office holders, grassroots leaders and members of the Arapaja political family, pledged to deploy their political structures, experience and grassroots networks towards the success of the APC and its candidates.

Among those who formally identified with the APC were Hon. Shina Olapoju, former PDP Oyo South Senatorial candidate; Hon. Sunday Antony Babatunde, former PDP candidate for Ibadan South East Constituency II and former Council Secretary; Hon. Alade Sarafa, former PDP candidate for Ibadan South East/North East Federal Constituency; and Hon. Dolapo Alatise, former PDP candidate for Ibadan South East Constituency I.

The gathering also attracted several political stakeholders, including Hon. Sadipe Jimoh, former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Hon. Banjo Bigger, former PDP Local Government Vice Chairman; Hon. Taofeek Adesina, former Oyo South Youth Leader; and Hon. Mutairu Iyiola, former Special Adviser.

Other leaders present included Baba Rasaq Popoola, Baba Akinola Tajudeen, Hon. Kola Adekola Ribadu, Madam Ageshinkara, Mrs Omocho and Comrade Sunbo Olayiwola, leader of the Arapaja City Boy Movement, among others.

Speaking at the event, Olapoju described Arapaja as a political leader whose influence is built on loyalty, strong relationships and the ability to mobilise people across political interests.

He said the decision to align with the APC was strategic and aimed at contributing to a broader political project while effectively deploying the political structures associated with the Arapaja family ahead of 2027.

Olapoju also commended Arapaja’s leadership and political maturity, saying his consistency and commitment to his followers had continued to strengthen his influence among his political associates.

Also speaking, Babatunde declared his readiness to play an active role in the mobilisation for the 2027 elections, describing himself as a “striker ready to strike.”

He said the group would work with other stakeholders to strengthen the APC across Ibadan South East and secure victory for the party’s candidates. He also announced a ₦500,000 donation on behalf of himself and Arapaja to support the movement’s activities.

Hon. Olayinka Banjo Bigger assured APC members that the newly aligned politicians would work closely with party leaders and stakeholders at the ward and local government levels, promising aggressive grassroots mobilisation anchored on unity and teamwork.

The APC Ibadan South East Local Government Chairman, Hon. Tajudeen Asanike, welcomed the defectors and assured them of an open and level playing field within the party.

Asanike described Arapaja as a “core progressive,” noting his historical connection with progressive politics. He recalled that Arapaja, after benefiting from a scholarship for his education, returned to continue his political engagement within the progressive fold.

The chairman said the arrival of Arapaja and his political family would strengthen the APC’s structure and expand its reach across Oyo State.

Similarly, Baba Muftau Gbayawu commended Arapaja for his leadership qualities and political influence, welcoming the defectors and urging them to work with the existing APC structure for the success of the party.