By Our Reporter
Former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, on Thursday formally joined the All Progressives Congress, in a major political development expected to reshape political alignments in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mimiko, a former presidential candidate and one of the state’s most influential political figures, was officially received into the APC at the Ward 7 Secretariat in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo City, in the presence of party leaders, political associates and supporters.
The former governor’s defection comes weeks after he resigned from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ending months of speculation over his political future.
Speaking shortly after his admission into the ruling party, Mimiko said his decision was informed by the need to support ongoing reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There are a lot of good things being done by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government, and though much more still needs to be done, I am coming in to lend my support to the ongoing efforts to keep Nigeria on the path of peace, progress and genuine development,” he said.
The former governor specifically commended the Federal Government’s Nigeria Education Loan Fund initiative, describing it as a significant step toward expanding access to education for Nigerian students.
He also cited ongoing discussions around decentralised policing as another factor influencing his decision to join the APC, noting that he had consistently advocated for state police over the years.
“The NELFUND initiative to democratise access to education is commendable and deserves applause. For someone like me who has consistently supported state police, the current efforts to decentralise policing are another reason I am happy to be part of this national rebuilding effort,” Mimiko added.
Political observers view Mimiko’s defection as a significant boost for the APC in Ondo State, particularly given his enduring grassroots influence and extensive political network built over decades.
Many of his loyalists and associates had earlier moved into the APC ahead of the Ondo State November 16, 2024 governorship election, while Mimiko remained in the PDP but largely inactive in recent times.
Explaining his earlier resignation from the PDP, the former governor had said he decided to formally distance himself from the party in order to end persistent speculation surrounding his political status.
Welcoming him into the APC, the Ondo State Chairman of the party, Kolawole Babatunde, described Mimiko’s defection as a return to his progressive political roots.
“Mimiko is a progressive in every sense of the word. His achievements in health, education, infrastructure and governance during his time in office remain remarkable. His coming into the APC is truly a homecoming,” Babatunde stated.
He added that President Tinubu’s policy direction and governance style continue to attract leaders committed to national development.
Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives for Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency, Joseph Akinlaja, said Mimiko’s formal entry into the APC represents the consolidation of the political movement built around the former governor.
“Many of us had earlier moved into the APC, largely with his support and understanding. Today, we are fulfilled that he has officially joined us. This will strengthen our collective resolve to ensure overwhelming electoral victories for President Tinubu and all APC candidates in future elections,” Akinlaja said.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Olawoye Ayorinde, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Senator Gbenga Ogunniya, and member of the House of Representatives for Ondo East/Ondo West, Abiola Makinde, among other APC stakeholders and supporters.
