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Former deputy governor of Oyo State, and one of the candidates for the position of National Vice Chairman (South West) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, has expressed confidence on winning the election, saying all factors pointed to his victory.
“We are confident of winning. With God, we know we are going to win. We’ve been working seriously behind the scene and I believe God is going to make it happen,” he said.
When asked about the thugs that invaded the venue of the election in Osogbo on Sunday evening, Arapaja said some of those arrested have confessed their link with a member of the Eddy Olafeso faction, who is an Oyo State indigene.
Olafeso had earlier said that the thugs were from Oyo State, suggesting that they were sponsored by the Arapaja faction.
“Oyo is one of the key states here today. I don’t know how he was able to identify who was from Oyo State. Anyway some of them were arrested. I believe those thugs are from his side. Those arrested were linked to somebody in their side. On our part, we have been ready since. We are here and have been expecting them,” the former deputy governor added.
When asked if he would congratulate Olafeso should if he wins, Arapaja said: Insha-Allah, we will win. We will win, and I expect him to congratulate me. If I win, I will draw him close, we will work together. We are brothers.”
Asked to explain what brought the party to an unprecedented bitter zonal election, he said: “We found ourselves here because some people don’t want to accept Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership. Secondly, some people have an agenda. They are working for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The latter is trying to disorganise the PDP being the only credible party in Nigeria today.”