Former Oyo Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, has pledged his full support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring his readiness to work for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s candidates in Oyo State.

The declaration came when the Oyo State Executive Committee of the APC, led by the State Chairman, Otunba Moses-Alake Adeyemo, paid a courtesy visit to Arapaja at his Felele residence in Ibadan.

The visit, according to the party leadership, formed part of ongoing engagements with key political stakeholders aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and fostering unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking during the visit, Adeyemo said the state executive was seeking to harness the experience and political networks of prominent party leaders across the state.

He described Arapaja as a major political figure whose influence extends beyond Oyo State, noting that his decision to join the APC would add significant value to the party’s efforts ahead of 2027.

Adeyemo also urged Arapaja to help mobilise like-minded politicians and stakeholders towards building a stronger party structure across the state.

“We were delighted when we heard of your decision to join us, and we assure you that you will not regret this step. We acknowledge your capacity, and we urge you to intensify efforts to bring like-minded individuals together so we can deliver massive votes for all our candidates in 2027,” he said.

Responding, Arapaja described his return to the APC as a long-awaited homecoming, expressing appreciation to the party leadership for the visit.

He spoke extensively about his political philosophy, particularly his belief in loyalty and reciprocity, saying the principle was inherited from his late father, who remained loyal to Chief Obafemi Awolowo until his death while on a campaign platform in 1978.

Arapaja also addressed his previous political alignment with Governor Seyi Makinde, expressing regret over the decision and explaining that his support at the time was based on his belief in absolute political loyalty.

He argued that loyalty in politics should be reciprocal, stressing that individuals who remain committed to a political cause and its leadership also expect their commitment to be recognised.

On the 2027 elections, Arapaja said securing a second term for President Tinubu should be a major objective in the South-West. He also pointed to federal interventions in Oyo State, including the reconstruction of major roads, as areas he said should be considered when assessing the impact of the current administration.

Arapaja further urged the people to examine how resources and opportunities available to states under the Tinubu administration were being translated into development at the state level.

He also pledged to personally participate in reconciliation efforts within the APC, particularly by engaging aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders to promote a stronger sense of belonging ahead of the elections.

The former deputy governor declared his “100 per cent readiness” to work for the APC and expressed confidence in the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, as well as its senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly candidates.

Arapaja said he would deploy his political experience towards mobilising support for the party across Oyo State.

The APC has already formally unveiled Alli alongside its other candidates for the 2027 elections, with the party leadership repeatedly emphasising unity and reconciliation ahead of the poll.

Among the party leaders who accompanied Adeyemo on the visit were State Secretary, Hon. Fatai Adeshina; Woman Leader, Dr. Felicia Opatunde; Youth Leader, Hon. Lekan Glory; Publicity Secretary, Hon. Olawale Sadare; Hon. Taofeek Arowomole; Hon. Kola Amoo; Sayo Fatoki; Hon. Samuel Oke; and Muse Osundara, among others.