Arapaja Dumps PDP as Seyi Makinde’s ally resigns from the party and begins consultations ahead of a possible defection to APC
Former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending his association with the party amid indications that he is preparing to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also read: Kebbi ADC Reps Aspirant Aminullahi Mustapha Defects to APC
Arapaja, who served as the National Secretary of the Seyi Makinde-backed and Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP, announced his departure from the party on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.
Shortly after his resignation, Arapaja met with Oyo State APC governorship candidate Sharafadeen Alli as part of consultations ahead of his expected defection to the ruling party.
Sources familiar with the development also indicated that Arapaja had held discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he weighed his next political move.
The former deputy governor is a prominent figure in Oyo politics and previously served as the PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), where he played a key role in the party’s southern leadership structure.
His exit comes amid ongoing internal disputes within the PDP, including disagreements over leadership recognition and the direction of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arapaja’s move is expected to attract attention within Oyo’s political landscape, particularly because of his long-standing relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde, who has been influential in the state chapter of the PDP.
The development could reshape political alignments in Oyo State as major parties prepare for the next election cycle.
Also read: Kebbi ADC Reps Aspirant Aminullahi Mustapha Defects to APC
Governor Makinde had not issued a public statement on Arapaja’s resignation as of the time of filing this report.
