Politics

Oyo: Arapaja invades venue of PDP primaries with armed thugs, forces aspirants out – Group alleges

Published

4 years ago

May 23, 2022

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.

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Politics

‎Oyo: Oseni Supports Gbagi/Ogunpa Traders With N50m, 5 Boreholes, 200 Solar Lights

Published

12 hours ago

August 12, 2026

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• rallies support for Tinubu, APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has supported traders at Gbagi/Ogunpa Market in Ibadan with a N50m grant, five boreholes and 200 solar-powered lights.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, announced the interventions during an enlarged meeting with the leadership and members of 11 traders’ associations in the market on Tuesday.

According to the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the N50m grant was to strengthen the traders’ businesses and helping them cope with the challenges affecting their businesses.

‎The lawmaker said the five boreholes would improve access to water in the market, while the 200 solar lights would enhance security and trading activities. He added that the lights were also part of his support for the traders’ ‘Light Up Ogunpa’ initiative.

Oseni urged the traders to support President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates, saying the Federal Government’s economic reforms were aimed at addressing some of the challenges confronting the country.

He cited the removal of fuel subsidy, the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and increased investment in infrastructure as some of the measures being implemented to redirect resources to areas with wider social and economic benefits.

“Some of these reforms have come with sacrifices, but we must also look at what they are intended to achieve. Resources that were tied down can now be deployed to infrastructure, education and other areas that directly affect the people,” Oseni said.

The APC chieftain also said the reforms in the foreign exchange market had addressed the previous multiple-rate system, adding that periods of relative stability showed that the measures were beginning to address some of the distortions in the system.

“We may not have reached where we want to be, but there have been changes. The foreign exchange market has been reformed, and now the benefits of these reforms are gradually reaching ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

The traders, represented by the leader of the Footwear Dealers Association of Oyo State, Elder Kolawole Alabi, and the President of the First Gbagi Ogunpa Joint Traders Association, Olaitan Adams, commended Oseni for the interventions.

They described the engagement as significant, saying it demonstrated that the lawmaker understood the challenges confronting traders and small business owners.

The traders pledged their support for Oseni, Tinubu and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Contained in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists, the lawmaker stressed that the intervention was part of his continued engagement with traders, artisans and other stakeholders across Oyo South.

‎The statement added that Oseni would continue to support initiatives capable of improving livelihoods and strengthening grassroots businesses, maintaining that effective representation must produce tangible benefits for the people.

Politics

‎Rep Oseni Gives Ibadan Motor Parts Dealers N90m Support, Donates 100 Solar Lights

Published

4 days ago

August 8, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Aderemi Oseni, has unveiled a N90 million support package for motor parts dealers at the Araromi Gate Market in Ibadan, Oyo State.

‎Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, announced the intervention on Saturday during an engagement with traders at the market.
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‎The package comprises a N50 million interest-free revolving loan and a N40 million grant for traders operating in the four major sections of the market — car, lorry, tyre and iron.
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‎In addition to the financial support, Oseni donated 100 solar-powered streetlights to the market and pledged to take responsibility for the monthly salaries of the market’s Baale and chiefs.
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‎The lawmaker said the intervention was designed to strengthen the businesses of the traders and improve their contribution to the local economy.

He said, “The motor parts dealers are critical drivers of the local economy. We must continue to support them so that they can expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute more to the economy.”
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‎Oseni explained that the N50 million revolving loan would be provided without interest, while the N40 million grant would serve as an empowerment package for traders across the four sections of the market.
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‎He said the provision of solar-powered streetlights was also intended to improve security and extend the conducive environment for commercial activities within the market.
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‎The APC candidate further called on the traders to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government’s reforms were beginning to produce positive results.
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‎He also appealed for the support of the traders for APC candidates in the state, expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.
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‎Earlier, the Chairman of Araromi Gate Market Motor Parts Dealers, Alhaji Ojo Azeez, commended Oseni for his contributions to the development of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency.
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‎Azeez said the traders had confidence in Oseni’s leadership and ability to fulfil his promises.
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‎“We believe in your achievements so far. By the grace of Almighty God, you shall defeat your opponents hands down,” he said.
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‎The chairmen of the four sections of the market also pledged their support for Oseni, President Tinubu and other APC candidates.
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‎The meeting was attended by the Baale of the market, Alhaji Raimi Ewebiyi, as well as leaders and representatives of the various groups and sections within the market.

Politics

Oyo APC: Makinde Would Have Sold Nigeria If He Were President

Published

1 week ago

August 5, 2026

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The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has launched a fresh attack on Governor Seyi Makinde, saying Nigeria was fortunate not to have elected him President in 2023, alleging that he would have “sold the country to interested buyers” for personal gain.

The opposition party made the claim while responding to Makinde’s recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which the governor reportedly described as ill-conceived during the unveiling of candidates of the Allied People’s Movement for the 2027 elections in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday.

Makinde, who was represented at the event, also declared his determination to ensure that the APC is voted out of power in the 2027 general election.

Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Oyo APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, dismissed the governor’s remarks, insisting that no amount of criticism would persuade Nigerians to replace President Tinubu with Makinde.

The party said Tinubu’s record, experience and leadership credentials were far superior to those of the Oyo governor, adding that Makinde’s political ambition for the presidency stood little chance in 2027.

“The difference between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in terms of experience, reputation and results is like the distance between heaven and earth. No amount of warped criticism or shadow boxing will make Nigerians choose a failed governor over a performing President,” the statement read.

The APC further argued that although Tinubu’s economic reforms had attracted criticism in some quarters, they had also received commendation from international financial institutions and development partners, who, according to the party, acknowledged the administration’s efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s economy.

It also accused the Makinde administration of failing to translate increased federal allocations into meaningful development in Oyo State, alleging that the state had little to show in critical areas such as infrastructure, security and job creation.

The party further alleged that Makinde had transferred many of the state’s assets to private interests, claiming that if he had been President, he would have considered selling national assets as a solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“As a matter of fact, Governor Makinde would have considered selling Nigeria as the best option if he had been President and faced with the challenges President Tinubu inherited in 2023. Nigerians will never make the mistake of entrusting him with the country’s mandate,” Sadare stated.

The APC maintained that President Tinubu remained focused on repositioning the country despite prevailing economic difficulties and expressed confidence that Nigerians would renew the party’s mandate in the 2027 general election.