The political landscape of Oyo State is on the verge of a major realignment as Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the National Deputy Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), prepares to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sources close to the former Deputy Governor reveal that his imminent exit follows a bitter fallout with the political camp of Governor Seyi Makinde. In a bid to finalize his political crossover, Arapaja reportedly met with President Bola Tinubu recently. The PDP chieftain is expected to tender his resignation from his national party position next week before making an official declaration for the APC. Insiders trace the crisis to Arapaja’s deep dissatisfaction with the handling of the recent PDP governorship primary, which produced Abimbola Adekanmbi as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 election. A reliable source alleged that Arapaja was denied a level playing field and has been systematically sidelined since the primary concluded. "After the primary, he was treated with disdain and disrespect. That was when he realized he was no longer relevant in the political structure," the source stated. Further fueling the defection is the alleged withdrawal of Arapaja`s security details by the state government, raising immediate concerns regarding his personal safety. A chieftain of the PDP/APM alliance in Ibadan noted that geopolitical marginalization and the stripping of political patronage sealed Arapaja`s decision. "He believes he needs to move to where his security and political future can be guaranteed," the source added. According to party insiders, appointments previously allocated to Arapaja’s loyalists during Governor Makinde`s first term were entirely withheld in the current administration. While rival political actors like Bisi Olopoeyan and Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) allegedly secured 32 and 22 supervisory councillor positions respectively across the state`s 33 local governments, Arapaja`s camp received none. As of press time, neither Ambassador Arapaja nor Governor Makinde has issued an official statement on the brewing development.
