Politics
Oyo: Arapaja invades venue of PDP primaries with armed thugs, forces aspirants out – Group alleges
A group within the Oyo state chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Concerned People Frontiers (CPF) has alleged that the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja invaded the venue of the primaries of both House of Assembly – Ibadan South East constituencies I and II, as well as that of Federal House of Representatives with armed thugs and security personnel harassing, intimidating and forcing aspirants and some delegates out of the venue.
The group noted that there were no primaries as the aspirants and some delegates were allegedly forced out of the venue by the armed thugs and security personnel on the order of Arapaja, who threatened to shoot them if they refused to leave the venue.
It was alleged that Arapaja armed with thugs, Police, and Soldiers was moving around the venues, Saint John Primary School, Alake, Academy for constituency II, Mapo Hall for constituency I and Goodwill Hall, Adekile Orita Aperin, Ibadan for House of Representatives chasing away other aspirants and some delegates to pave way for his unpopular aspirants, hence denied them their civic responsibilities.
The PDP group, in a statement on Monday signed by its Coordinator and Secretary, Adewale Ajani, and, Kunle Fasasi respectively alleged that Arapaja used security agents and thugs to force all his perceived opposition including aspirants and some delegates out, noting that aspirants were beaten at Mapo, venue for Ibadan southeast constituency I primary
While promising to challenge the outcome of the supposed primary election, CFP insisted that no primary election was held in the Ibadan South East/North East federal constituency and State of Assemblies I and II on Sunday.
It could be recalled there had been a series of internal crises in the last few weeks over who will represent the constituencies ahead of 2023 as a result of the planned imposition of the incumbent through consensus, which was rebuffed by other aspirants.
The failure of the aspirants to agree on a consensus made the party organise the supposed primary election on Sunday, which was alleged to have been invaded by Arapaja with armed thugs and security personnel that were supposed to provide safety at the primary.
The statement read, “The Deputy National Chairman of our party, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja invaded the venue of the primaries with armed thugs, Police, and Soldiers harassing, intimidating, and threatening us with guns ordering us to leave the venue of the primary or we should be shot.
“We are going to challenge what happened legally because there was no primary, some delegates and aspirants were prevented from exercising their electoral franchise. What transpired at the venue of the primary showed that the PDP government in Oyo state is not about people but about a cabal, who can do anything to achieve their clandestine motive.
“Imagine someone of Arapaja’s caliber, a National officer for that matter, threatening his members with guns, this was a show of charade, and against the tenet of the democratic process.
“We want to bring this to the notice of party National headquarters what happened in Oyo state, and if this show of shame is not corrected, we have no option but to seek redress legally.
“We want to use this opportunity to also advise the party leadership at national, that in case there will be another primary, apart from INEC officials, aspirants, and delegates, no other party leaders in the state should be allowed into the venue to guide against the further occurrence of oppression for people like Arapaja, a national officer for that matter.
“There were no primaries in Ibadan South East State Assemblies and Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency. Although they might come up with a winner it was glaring that there were no primaries as confirmed by INEC officials in an interview at the venue. The atmosphere was not conducive and it was discouraging and sad. This is not democracy”, the PDP group lamented.
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
The party, at its state congress held on Tuesday at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, elected a former Deputy Governor of the state, Moses Alake Adeyemo, as its new chairman alongside other state executive members.
Oseni, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described Adeyemo’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that his experience and longstanding commitment to the party would further strengthen its structure in the state.
He said the peaceful conduct of the congress demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and progressive leadership.
The statement said, “I congratulate our newly elected State Chairman and leader, His Excellency, Moses Alake Adeyemo, and other members of the State Executive Committee on their emergence. This victory reflects the confidence reposed in them by party members across the state.”
Oseni further expressed confidence that the new leadership would reposition the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.
According to him, “This is a critical moment for our party in Oyo State. It calls for unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the ideals that bind us together as progressives.”
The federal lawmaker assured the new executives of his support and cooperation in advancing the programmes of the party and strengthening its grassroots structures.
He urged party members to rally behind the new leadership to ensure stability and secure future victories for the APC in the state.
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