Former Oyo State Deputy Governor and Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Taofeek Arapaja, has formally intensified his bid for the 2027 governorship election after submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest for the state’s top seat.
Arapaja, who currently serves as the National Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) of the PDP, submitted the forms to the party’s National Organising Secretary, Hon. Dakas Shan, marking his official entry into the race for the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development places the seasoned politician among the growing list of aspirants jostling to succeed incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde, who is expected to complete his second term in office in 2027.
Arapaja’s move comes amid increasing political activities within the PDP in Oyo State as consultations and alignments continue ahead of the party primaries. Reports indicate that his emergence could reshape internal dynamics within the ruling party in the state, especially as succession discussions gather momentum.
The former deputy governor, who served under late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala between 2007 and 2011, has remained a prominent figure in the PDP at both state and national levels. He previously held the position of Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party and has also served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Iran and Jordan.
Arapaja’s formal declaration is expected to heighten competition within the PDP as the battle to secure the party’s governorship ticket gradually takes shape.
