Politics
Arapaja’s emergence , victory for democracy – Sen. Balogun
The Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Dr. Kola Balogun has congratulated Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja on his emergence as the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South, declaring that his emergence is victory for democracy.
He made the declaration in a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr Dapo Falade, adding that Arapaja would further the cause and course of unity in the party.
Arapaja, a former deputy governor of Oyo State, polled a total of 2,004 votes to defeat his closest rival, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who polled 705 votes at the PDP National Convention in Abuja, on Saturday.
The lawmaker, also thanked Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun State, for demonstrating the essence of participatory democracy.
“The victory of Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and his emergence as the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) at the National Convention of our great party, is a victory for the entire PDP family.
“Indeed, the PDP, through the National Convention, has, once again, demonstrated its firm believe in participatory democracy. It is showing and leading the other political parties the way to go.
“Ambassador Arapaja emerged the winner of an exercise that was transparently clear and that was free and fair. The PDP has shown the way to go in the conduct of elections in our country.
“The victory of our new Deputy National Chairman (South) is not a personal victory but also a victory for the PDP, its teeming members and followers and, indeed, the entire country.
“Arapaja is a dove who will usher in peace and greater unity in our great party. His victory is a clear signpost to the victory of the party in the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states in 2022 and subsequent elections in the entire South in the 2023 elections.
“I also want to congratulate the former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on his belief in participatory democracy. His contesting for the same post lends more credibility to the PDP National Convention.
“Prince Oyinlola is a respected elder of our great party. His loss at the convention is nothing personal. I believe that he will continue to remain relevant in the PDP and he will always be there as one of our elders in the party,” Balogun said.
Congratulating Arapaja on his victory, Balogun, however expressed optimism that his tenure of office would usher the PDP into more victories in both the South-West and the South and, indeed, the entire country.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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