Arapaja Camp Fires Back at Dare Adeleke, Describes Allegations as ‘Falsehood, Political Blackmail’

Supporters of former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, have launched a blistering response to recent criticisms by Dare Adeleke, accusing him of peddling falsehood and engaging in what they described as political blackmail over Arapaja’s reported alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by Oyepeju Banks and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the group said Adeleke’s repeated attacks on Arapaja were “unprovoked, misleading and borne out of political frustration,” insisting that the former deputy governor remains one of the most respected grassroots politicians in Oyo State.

The statement maintained that every Nigerian enjoys the constitutional right to freedom of association, arguing that Arapaja’s political decisions should not attract what it called “bitter personal attacks and campaigns of calumny.”

Reacting to claims that Arapaja depends on associates to defend him, the group said the former deputy governor had built a formidable political structure over the years, producing loyal followers capable of responding to issues concerning his political career without prompting.

The supporters described Arapaja as a thoroughbred politician who learnt under the late Ibadan political leader, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, adding that his open-door leadership style and accessibility to party faithful had continued to earn him widespread acceptance across Oyo State.

They also dismissed Adeleke’s allegation that Arapaja had never won elections in his polling unit, describing the claim as “a complete fabrication.” According to the statement, election results are public documents, urging Adeleke to obtain records from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to verify Arapaja’s electoral performances over the years.

The group further denied claims that Adeleke served as Arapaja’s campaign Director-General, insisting that the assertion was false and intended to rewrite political history.

It also accused Adeleke of lacking electoral experience, claiming he had never contested for any elective office while alleging that his political activities had largely been driven by personal interests.

While reaffirming confidence in Arapaja’s political relevance, the supporters insisted that no amount of attacks or alleged propaganda would diminish his influence in Oyo State politics.

They urged politicians to embrace issue-based engagements instead of personal attacks, expressing confidence that the public would separate facts from political rhetoric as the state’s political landscape continues to evolve.