Arapaja emerges Oyo PDP consensus governorship candidate

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has confirmed the emergence of Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.

Arapaja emerged unopposed after delegates from all 33 Local Government Areas of the state unanimously endorsed him during a consensus meeting held in Ibadan. The exercise, which took place at a hall in the Sanyo area of the state capital, was attended by party leaders, delegates and stakeholders, in what was described as a show of internal unity and cohesion ahead of the polls.

The chairman of the consensus primaries committee, Oliver Okeke, said the decision followed a collective agreement reached by party stakeholders across all LGAs in the state. He added that the unanimous endorsement effectively confirms Arapaja as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.

In his acceptance speech, Arapaja called for a minute of silence in honour of victims of recent attacks in Oriire LGA and prayed for the safe return of abducted teachers and pupils.

He described his emergence as a “mandate of unity,” stressing that governance is driven by experience, competence and commitment rather than political theatrics.

Arapaja pledged to build on the achievements of the current administration while ensuring inclusiveness within the party structure.

The PDP also affirmed candidates for all 14 federal and 32 state House of Assembly seats in Oyo State, completing its nomination process ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party said the consensus arrangement positions it for a more coordinated and united campaign going into the polls.