Fresh divisions have emerged within the political camp of former Oyo State Deputy Governor and National Deputy Chairman (South) of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, over reports of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with some loyalists distancing themselves from the alleged move.
The development followed speculation that Arapaja had concluded arrangements to return to the APC after reportedly holding a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu, where he was said to have received assurances of political accommodation.
However, a section of his supporters insisted on Friday that the former deputy governor did not consult the grassroots political structure that has stood by him over the years before allegedly deciding to leave the PDP.
The group said although it respected Arapaja’s leadership and contributions to politics in Oyo State, it would not follow him to the APC, citing what it described as the unpleasant experience of his previous defection to the ruling party.
One of the loyalists, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the reported move as a personal decision that did not reflect the position of Arapaja’s political followers.
“We are still young and ambitious, while he is approaching political retirement. Before taking such a critical step, there should have been wide consultations with those who have worked with him over the years,” the source said.
The loyalist claimed that reports of assurances allegedly given to Arapaja after his meeting with the President came as a surprise to many of his supporters.
“We are the political foot soldiers who have remained on the field carrying out grassroots mobilisation. We understand the political realities on the ground.
“We followed him to the APC before and witnessed how he was politically humiliated. That experience is still fresh in our memories. No sensible politician will abandon certainty for uncertainty,” the source added.
The group maintained that it had no personal disagreement with Arapaja but believed his reported decision should not be construed as representing the position of his political structure.
According to the source, “We respect him as an elder statesman, but we believe this journey back to the APC is entirely personal to him. We are not moving with him.”
The position contrasts with an earlier statement by another group of Arapaja’s loyalists, who reaffirmed their allegiance to the former deputy governor and pledged to support whatever political direction he chooses.
The group described Arapaja as its undisputed leader, insisting that its loyalty remained intact despite ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
