Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, on Thursday formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, attributing his decision to what he described as the impactful reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the country for sustainable growth and national development.
Mimiko officially joined the APC at his Ward 7 in Ondo West Local Government Area, weeks after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party, a development that has generated significant political reactions across Ondo State and beyond.
The former governor was received into the ruling party alongside hundreds of his supporters and loyalists by the Ondo State Chairman of the APC, Kolawole Babatunde, and the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, during a gathering held in Ondo Town.
The event attracted party leaders, political associates, traditional supporters, and APC faithful from different parts of the state, many of whom described Mimiko’s return to the progressive fold as a major political boost for the party ahead of future elections.
Addressing party members and supporters shortly after his formal reception, Olusegun Mimiko said his decision to join the APC was driven by the need to support the ongoing efforts of President Tinubu toward stabilising the country and promoting genuine national progress.
According to him, the Tinubu administration had initiated several reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian economy and strengthening governance structures despite prevailing challenges.
“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 stated.
The former governor emphasized that national interest must take precedence over partisan considerations, adding that political leaders had a responsibility to contribute meaningfully toward policies capable of advancing the welfare of Nigerians.
Mimiko’s defection is widely seen as a major political realignment in Ondo State, especially considering his long-standing influence in the state’s political landscape and his history as one of the prominent figures in opposition politics in the South-West.
Observers believe the move could reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections and strengthen the APC’s structure in Ondo State.
Speaking during the reception ceremony, Kolawole Babatunde described Mimiko’s return as a significant development for the ruling party, noting that the APC remained open to leaders and stakeholders committed to the progress of the state and the country.
He said the party was confident that Mimiko’s experience and political network would contribute positively to strengthening the APC’s grassroots mobilisation and governance agenda.
Similarly, Olamide Oladiji welcomed the former governor into the party and commended him for aligning with what he described as the progressive vision of President Tinubu.
Supporters who attended the event expressed excitement over Mimiko’s decision, describing it as a step capable of fostering political inclusiveness and unity among key stakeholders in the state.
Many of his loyalists also pledged continued support for the APC, insisting that the former governor’s decision reflected careful political consideration and commitment to national development.
Political analysts noted that Mimiko’s defection could further consolidate the APC’s influence in the South-West, especially as political parties continue consultations, alliances, and strategic repositioning ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The former governor’s political journey has seen him play major roles in different political platforms over the years, making his latest move one of the most talked-about developments in the state’s political environment.
Thursday’s event in Ondo town was marked by jubilation, music, and celebrations as supporters waved party flags and chanted solidarity songs to welcome the former governor and his followers into the APC fold.
With his formal entry into the ruling party, political observers say attention will now shift to how his influence and political structure could impact future alignments within Ondo State and the broader South-West political landscape ahead of 2027.
