Former Ondo Governor Mimiko Joins APC

Fidelis David in Akure

Former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday at the Ward 7 Secretariat of Ondo West Local Government Area in Ondo town.

Mimiko, who had recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was welcomed by the Ward Executive, the Local Government Executive, and the state party chairman Hon. Kolawole Babatunde, along with other party members from Ondo City.

“There are many positive initiatives being undertaken by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‑led government, and while further work is needed, I am joining to support efforts that keep Nigeria on a path of peace, progress, and genuine development,” Mimiko said.

He added that the NELFUND programme to broaden access to education and the President’s push to decentralise policing were commendable, and that these reasons motivated his decision to join the APC.

Although several of Mimiko’s close associates had moved to the APC before the last Ondo governorship election, he had remained with the PDP and had been largely inactive until his resignation more than a month ago.

In his resignation, Mimiko clarified that he was “no longer a member of the PDP” to dispel speculation about his political status.

Hon. Kolawole Babatunde welcomed Mimiko on behalf of the governor and other party members, noting that “Mimiko is a progressive in all respects, having achieved significant results in health, education, infrastructure, and other areas during his time in office. His joining the APC feels like a homecoming.”

He further said that President Tinubu’s initiatives are progressive and are yielding positive outcomes that resonate with other forward‑thinking Nigerians.

Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, former Member of the House of Representatives for Ondo East and West Federal Constituency, said Mimiko’s arrival marks the completion of the transition of the Mimiko political movement into the APC in Ondo State.

“Previously, some of us joined the APC with his approval, but we are now fully satisfied that he has officially joined us so we can all contribute to the electoral success of President Tinubu and the party’s candidates in future elections,” Akinlaja said.

Attendees included Speaker Olamide Oladiji, Commissioner for Infrastructure Olawoye Ayorinde, Wale Akinlosotu, Chief Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, former commissioners in Ondo State, former SSG Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Biola Oladapo of Ondo West 1, Senator Gbenga Ogunniya, Ade Adeniyi, Mrs. Adenike Okawoye, Mama Aserere, Mrs. Funlola Oluwadare, Olabisi Johnson, current MHR for Ondo East West Hon. Abiola Makinde, Hon. Jibayo Adeyeye, Dr. Michael Ajilo, Vice Chairman of Ondo West LGA, and Hon. Oluwole Bashiru, among others.