By Adesakin Adefemi
Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has formally joined the All Progressives Congress, pledging support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and administration’s reform agenda.
Mimiko, who governed Ondo State from 2009 to 2016, announced his defection on Thursday at the APC secretariat in Ward 7, Ondo West Local Government Area. He resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party last month ahead of the move.
Speaking at the event, the former governor said his decision was driven by a desire to contribute to national progress under Tinubu’s leadership. He cited several federal initiatives as reasons for aligning with the ruling party.
“There are a lot of good things being done by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government, and though much more will still have to be done, I am coming in to lend my support to ongoing efforts to keep Nigeria on the path of peace, progress and genuine development,” Mimiko said.
He singled out the NELFUND scheme for democratising access to education and the ongoing push to decentralise policing through state police as policies he supports. “For an avowed supporter of state police like myself, the current effort to decentralise policing as being pursued is another reason I am happy to be part of the current effort under Mr President,” he added.
Receiving Mimiko, APC State Chairman Kolawole Babatunde described him as a progressive whose record in health, education, and infrastructure speaks for itself. He said the former governor’s return to the progressive fold strengthens the party’s base in Ondo State.
“Former Governor Mimiko is a progressive through and through, and his coming into the APC is like a homecoming. President Tinubu’s every initiative and effort are progressive in nature and are yielding positive results that are endearing to other positive and progressive-minded Nigerians,” Babatunde stated.
Former House of Representatives member Joseph Akinlaja said Mimiko’s entry marks the completion of the migration of his political structure into the APC. He expressed confidence that the development would boost the party’s chances in future elections.
“Before now, some of us had moved into the APC mostly with his consent, but now feel fully satisfied that he has finally joined us so that we can all contribute to the landslide electoral success of President Tinubu and all the party’s candidates in subsequent elections,” Akinlaja said.
Mimiko’s defection adds to the recent wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties reposition to consolidate support and influence across key states.
