Fresh cracks have emerged within the political camp of former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and former National Deputy Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taofeek Arapaja, over reports of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a section of his loyalists distancing themselves from the move.
The development comes amid growing speculation that Arapaja has concluded arrangements to return to the APC after reportedly holding a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where he was allegedly assured of political accommodation and other benefits.
However, multiple loyalists who spoke exclusively to westernmirror.com.ng on Friday insisted that Arapaja embarked on the move without consulting the grassroots political structure that has stood with him over the years.
According to them, while they hold Arapaja in high esteem and respect his contributions to Oyo politics, they would not accompany him back to the APC, citing their unpleasant experience during his previous defection from the PDP to the ruling party.
One of the loyalists said the decision was entirely personal to the politician as the decision to return to APC was not based on collective decision by his followers.
He said, “We’re still very young and very ambitious, he is old and already approaching political retirement. Before we make such critical move in our political life, vital things would be deliberated and collectively considered.
“After meeting the President privately, we heard about the assurances he got, including financial support, a vehicle and security arrangements, without consulting any of those who have worked tirelessly with him politically.
“We are the political foot soldiers who have remained on the field, carrying out the grassroots mobilisation and party activities. We know the political realities on the ground.”
The source argued that many of Arapaja’s supporters still remember the circumstances surrounding his previous stay in the APC.
“We followed him to the APC before and witnessed how he was politically humiliated. That experience remains fresh in our memories. No sensible and grounded politician in Oyo State will abandon certainty for uncertainty,” the source said.
The loyalists maintained that they have no personal disagreement with Arapaja but believe his latest political calculation should not be interpreted as representing the position of his supporters.
“We believe this journey back to the APC is entirely personal to him and we respect his decision. But we are not moving anywhere with him.
“He is an elderly and respected politician. At this stage of his career, we believe he is simply securing what could be regarded as his retirement political benefits.
“Otherwise, he would have consulted widely with those of us who have remained loyal to him before taking such a major decision,” the loyalist said.
The development appears to contrast sharply with an earlier statement issued by another group of Arapaja’s loyalists, who publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to the former deputy governor and pledged to follow whatever political direction he chooses.
In the statement, the group described Arapaja as their undisputed political leader, insisting that their loyalty remained unwavering despite ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We want to make it categorically clear that Arapaja remains our political leader. We are with him, we believe in his leadership, and we shall continue to move with him in our collective interest and the aspirations of our people.
“There’s nothing wrong with PDAPC since there’s already PDAPM.
“Our loyalty is built on love, conviction and trust, not intimidation,” the statement read.
The conflicting positions reflects the growing uncertainty surrounding Arapaja’s political future and suggest that any eventual move to the APC may not enjoy unanimous backing from his established political base across Oyo State.
As of the time of filing this report, Arapaja had not publicly responded to claims that some of his loyalists have rejected his reported defection plan, while the APC and PDP in Oyo State ha
ve also remained silent on the latest developments.
