Taofeek Arapaja, the national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has reportedly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The move follows alleged dissatisfaction with Governor Makinde's handling of the PDP primary election earlier in 2026.
Arapaja Meets APC Candidate, Tinubu
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Arapaja met with Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election. Sources indicate that Arapaja also recently met with President Bola Tinubu as consultations over his defection gathered momentum. The PDP chieftain is expected to resign next week from his position as the party’s national deputy chairman (South) before formally announcing his next political move.
Primary Election Fallout
The defection stems from Arapaja's grievances during the PDP governorship primary that produced Abimbola Adekanmbi as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election. A source alleged that Arapaja was denied a level playing field and became sidelined after the primary. “After the primary, he (Arapaja) was treated with disdain and disrespect. That was when he realised he was no longer relevant in the political structure,” the source claimed.
Another source alleged that appointments and political positions previously allocated to Arapaja's loyalists during Governor Makinde's first term were withdrawn in the administration's second term. According to the source, Bisi Olopoeyan and Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) secured 32 and 22 supervisory councillor positions, respectively, across the state's 33 local government areas, while Arapaja's camp received none.
Mixed Reactions from Loyalists, Social Media
Arapaja’s loyalists are reportedly divided over his planned defection. Social media users expressed shock and curiosity. @woye1 wrote on X: “This is shocking oooo. Right-hand man of Seyi Makinde. 2: make I dey read attacks from Seyi’s boys and girls against their own former mentor.” Olajide Balogun asked: “How did GSM & Taofeek Arapaja fall out?” @dele003 commented with laughing emojis: “Seyi Makinde is gone.”
As of this report, Governor Makinde has not publicly responded to the allegations.
