The political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State has again appeared to be gaining momentum with fresh revelations within the camp of the Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Fresh revelations suggest that the reported defection plan by former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and National Deputy Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taofeek Arapaja, may be part of a wider movement involving several key figures within the ruling party.
Insiders, who spoke on condition of anonymity told Westernmirror.com.ng on Friday following the defection rumor that Arapaja is “not alone” in his alleged decision to dump the PDP.
The source claimed that a number of influential politicians within Governor Seyi Makinde’s political structure are quietly growing dissatisfied over the management of the party’s affairs in the state.
The development comes shortly after reports emerged that Arapaja had allegedly concluded arrangements to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), following what sources described as high-level consultations with President Bola Tinubu.
It was also alleged that the former deputy governor had received logistical and financial backing from the APC ahead of his planned defection.
Reports further claimed that his personal security details had been withdrawn by the Oyo State Government, a development that has continued to generate reactions within political circles.
While neither Arapaja nor the Oyo State Government has publicly commented on the claims, fresh disclosures from sources familiar with the situation indicate that the former deputy governor’s reported move is confirmed to be true and that it reflects a deeper discontent within the PDP leadership in Oyo State.
According to one senior party source, several key politicians “are quiet because they have to protect their pots of soup”.
“They have become uncomfortable with what the increasing dominance of a small circle of advisers around Governor Makinde.
“The governor is being surrounded by deceptive politicians who tell him only what he wants to hear. Many loyal party members no longer have access to him, while genuine concerns are deliberately filtered or suppressed,” the source said.
He further alleged that many stakeholders who contributed to the PDP’s electoral successes since 2019 now feel sidelined in critical political decisions.
“There are people pretending to be loyal to the governor while pursuing their own political interests. The governor may not realise the extent of the what’s going on within his circle until it becomes too late.
“Those leaving are not doing so because they lack commitment to the PDP, but because they believe the political environment has become increasingly shrunk.”
Another source maintained that consultations among aggrieved leaders have intensified in recent weeks, with several options reportedly being considered ahead of the forthcoming elections.
According to the source, although some leaders are still hoping for due recognition and genuine reconciliation within the PDP, others have already opened discussions with rival political parties.
“The situation goes beyond Ambassador Arapaja. Several influential figures are evaluating their political future. Some have held meetings outside the state, while others are waiting to see whether genuine reconciliation efforts will be made.”
The source, however, declined to disclose the identities of the other politicians allegedly involved in the consultations.
Arapaja’s reported exit, if eventually confirmed, could trigger fresh alignments capable of reshaping the prospects of both the PDP and APC ahead of the governorship election.
Neither the Oyo State chapter of the PDP, nor the APC had issued official statements on the latest claims as of the time of filing this report.
Westernmirror.com.ng understands that the Oyo state chapter of the PDP is currently in an effective grand alliance with the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.