By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Taofeek Arapaja, the National Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party, has formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for the office of governor of Oyo State, a move that has reignited political discussions across the state over the future direction of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arapaja submitted the forms on Monday to Dakas Shan, the party’s National Organizing Secretary, in a development widely interpreted by political observers as a decisive step in the unfolding succession politics within Oyo State.
His declaration comes at a time when residents and political stakeholders in Oyo have been keenly watching the internal alignments within the PDP, particularly due to Arapaja’s close political relationship with Seyi Makinde, the incumbent governor whose influence continues to shape the state’s political structure.
The latest development is expected to deepen public interest because Arapaja has long been regarded as one of Makinde’s most trusted allies and a major figure in the governor’s strategic political camp. His governorship bid may now trigger renewed conversations about the permutations surrounding who eventually succeeds Makinde in 2027.
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Political calculations in the state became more complex in recent months following the growing alliance between the PDP leadership in Oyo and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), an arrangement that has generated speculation over possible coalition strategies for the next governorship election.
The alliance drew significant attention after the emergence of Abimbola Adekanbi, popularly known as Bimbo Adekanbi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the APM in Oyo State. Analysts say Arapaja’s entry into the race may reshape the calculations of both parties and further test the strength of the political understanding between the PDP and APM.
The Merit Newspaper reports that although no official statement has been issued by Governor Makinde regarding Arapaja’s declaration, insiders within the party believe the former deputy governor’s decision may not be unconnected with broader consultations among influential leaders seeking to retain the PDP’s hold on the state after the current administration.
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Arapaja, a former deputy governor of Oyo State and a long-standing figure in the state’s political landscape, has remained influential at both state and national levels of the PDP. His political experience, party network, and longstanding loyalty to the Makinde camp are seen as factors that could make him a formidable contender in the race.
Reacting to the development, several party supporters described his declaration as a welcome move capable of consolidating the achievements of the present administration, while some opposition voices argued that the coming months would determine whether the PDP’s internal alliance politics can withstand competing ambitions among aspirants.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, Arapaja’s formal entry is likely to intensify consultations, negotiations, and political realignments not only within the PDP but across the broader Oyo political landscape.
For many residents, his decision marks the beginning of what may become one of the most closely watched governorship contests in the South-West, especially as political actors continue to weigh the implications of the PDP-APM alliance and the emergence of multiple influential aspirants seeking to shape the next leadership of Oyo State.
