The All Progressives Congress in Offa Local Government has dismissed reports of the defection of Alhaji Tajudeen Folaranmi Aro to the Peoples Democratic Party as “nothing more than political propaganda”, saying the move happened nearly two years ago.
In a statement made available to 9japarrot and signed by the Offa APC Public Relations Officer, Akeem Fagade, the party said the PDP Media Team’s attempt to present Aro’s declaration as a “tsunami” in the APC was misleading.
“For the record, there is absolutely nothing new about Alhaji Aro’s relationship with the APC. He and his political associates effectively parted ways with the party in September 2024, immediately after the APC Chairmanship Primary Election in Offa Local Government,” the statement said.
Fagade recalled that Aro voluntarily resigned as Kwara State Publicity Secretary of the APC, a position he held for five years, to contest the council chairmanship primary. “Ironically, this was a council he had previously served as Chairman about two decades earlier, making his aspiration one driven by personal political ambition rather than community service,” he said.
According to the statement, following his defeat in the primary, Aro and four loyalists “openly worked against the APC and aligned themselves with the opposition throughout the local government election.”
“It is on record that Alhaji Aro appeared on several radio stations where he openly declared support for the PDP and urged the electorate to vote for the opposition,” Fagade said, adding that He also alleged across various social media platforms that he was not even allowed to register as a member of the APC during the just-concluded party membership registration.
The APC said it was curious that Aro resurfaced during the 2026 APC gubernatorial primary to campaign for an aspirant, only to announce another “defection” after his preferred candidate lost.
“The obvious question is: How does someone defect twice from a party they had already abandoned nearly two years earlier?” the statement asked.
Fagade stressed that the strength of the APC in Offa has never been built around any single individual and that the party has consistently remained united, vibrant, and electorally dominant because its foundation is rooted in the collective commitment of thousands of loyal members across all wards.
“History has repeatedly shown that elections are won by the confidence of the people, not by media headlines or recycled political announcements,” he said.
APC remains focused on consolidating its achievements, strengthening its grassroots structures, and preparing for another successful outing in 2027, He further stated.
“Political ambition is legitimate, but it should not be mistaken for political relevance,” Fagade added, reassuring that APC in Offa remains unshaken, undistracted, and firmly committed to delivering victory through unity, discipline, and the continued support of the good people of Offa Local Government.