Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move seen as a major realignment in the state’s political configuration.
Mimiko, a two-term governor and prominent political figure popularly known as “Iroko,” was received into the ruling party on Thursday at his Ward 7 in Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo City, by party executives and a large gathering of supporters.
The former governor had earlier resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending weeks of speculation over his political future after a prolonged period of limited participation in the party’s activities.
Speaking at the event, Mimiko attributed his decision to the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that ongoing reforms at the federal level informed his alignment with the APC.
“There are a lot of good things being done by the present administration, though much still needs to be done. I am joining to support efforts aimed at sustaining peace, progress and genuine development in the country,” he said.
He particularly commended the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and ongoing moves towards decentralised policing, describing them as progressive steps capable of expanding access to education and strengthening national security.
Welcoming the former governor, Ondo State APC Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, described Mimiko as a seasoned administrator whose entry into the party signposts a “homecoming.”
According to him, “Mimiko has always demonstrated progressive ideals through his contributions to governance, especially in health, education and infrastructure. His decision to join the APC will further strengthen the party in the state.”
Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives, Joseph Akinlaja, said Mimiko’s defection marked the culmination of a gradual movement of his political structure into the APC.
He noted that many of the former governor’s associates had earlier joined the party, expressing confidence that the development would bolster the APC’s electoral prospects in future contests.
The event attracted several party chieftains and government officials, including the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, and other stakeholders from across Ondo East and West federal constituency.