The Egbeda Local Government chapter of Team Arapaja has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The defection was led by the group’s coordinator, Hon. Sanni Wasiu Oladiran, alongside prominent members, including Mrs Temitope Badmus, Mr Gbade Bankole, Alhaja Serifat Iyaniwura, the Iyaloja of Ajumobi Market, Mr Alasela, the Babaloja of Ajumobi Market, Mr Rasaq Olorunwa and Oloye Mandisi.

The new APC members were received by the party’s Egbeda Local Government Chairman, Hon. Olawale Olaleye; the member representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Hon. Akin Alabi; and other party leaders, including Alhaji Saura Sule Elegbeda, Hon. Buliaminu Ogundele and Alhaji Ibrahim Agbedo.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Oladiran commended Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja for his leadership qualities, political experience and grassroots influence across Oyo State.

He said the group was committed to working in line with Arapaja’s directive to mobilise support for Tinubu and ensure victory for all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Oladiran’s declaration signals the group’s readiness to strengthen the APC’s grassroots mobilisation efforts in Egbeda and contribute to the party’s electoral fortunes in the state.

In his remarks, the APC chairman in Egbeda, Olaleye, welcomed the new members and assured them of equal opportunities and a level playing field within the party.

Similarly, Akin Alabi expressed delight over the development, promising an inclusive approach to party affairs. He also commended Arapaja’s growing grassroots influence, describing the defection as a boost to the APC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development comes amid ongoing political realignments and mobilisation efforts ahead of the next general elections, with party leaders seeking to consolidate their grassroots structures across Oyo State.

The Team Arapaja Egbeda chapter’s move is expected to strengthen the APC’s presence in the local government as the party intensifies efforts to unite stakeholders and mobilise support for its candidates.

The group also expressed its determination to work towards ending the political dominance of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, as it pledged its commitment to the APC’s electoral success in 2027.