Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Diplomat, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja on Tuesday led thousands of his teeming followers back to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan South East Local Government area.
The event, which took place at Christ Church Primary School, Odinjo, Ibadan, was attended by the leaders of the party in Oyo State.
The returnees, it would be recalled, had earlier joined the party at a mega rally organized by PDP at Mapo Hall in March 2020.
Among those in attendance to welcome the returnees to the PDP fold were the former first Lady in Oyo State, Alhaja Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja, who represented the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde State. Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, Hon. Dare Adeleke, Alhaji Tiamiyu Abidikugu, party chairman in Ibadan South East Local Government, Engr Sulaimon Adesina and others.
Others include Member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Abass Agboworin, Hon. Rasaq Abdulahi, Hon. Segun Popoola, Hon. Yay Akinbile, Alhaji Gbade Adeleke, Mogaji Abass Oloko, Alhaji Dsuda Yusuff, Hon. Yemi Aderibigbe, special adviser to the Governor on local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, Special Adviser on Political Matters among others.
Addressing the party members at the event, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja said his decision to join PDP was in connection with Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership style, which has been tremendous so far.
He added that such immense contributions of the present administration in developing the state, thorugh provision of road infrastructure, free education for students, health care delivery, prompt payment of workers’ salaries on or before the 25th of every month, payment of backlog of pension for retired civil servants and other initiatives are glaring facts that GovernorMakinde is divinely chosen to lead the state.
He also appealed to agrieved members to embrace true and genuine reconciliation for the progress of the party.
Other returnees at the gathering included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, Hon. Fatai Adesina, Hon. Dele Ojo, Hon. Adedoja Ekolo and Hon. Sunday Babatunde. Hon. Deji Aboderin, APC candidate for Ibadan South East/North East in 2019 election and Hon. Yinka Omikunle from Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
While welcoming the returning and new members at the gathering, the Chairman of the party in Ibadan South East Local Government, Engr. Sulaimon Adesina, described Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and other returnees as forces to reckon with, who would serve as great political assets to the party.
Great