Mimiko Dumps PDP For APC, Cites Tinubu’s Reforms As Deciding Factor  

By Adeyinka Afesojaye 

In a move that caps months of political speculation, former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has dumped the PDP for the APC on Thursday, citing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms as the deciding factor.

Mimiko was formally welcomed into the ruling party at the APC secretariat in Ward 7, Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo City. 

The event drew the attention of the Ward and Local Government Executives, the State Chairman, and a large gathering of party faithful and stakeholders from Ondo East and West.

Addressing the crowd, Mimiko said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in office was a key factor in his decision. “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,” he stated.  

He singled out two federal initiatives for praise: the NELFUND student loan programme and the push to decentralize policing. “The NELFUND initiative to democratise access to education is another commendable effort of Mr. President which must be applauded,” Mimiko said. “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”.  

Mimiko had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) weeks earlier, stating he had distanced himself from party activities and wanted to clear speculation about his status. Many of his political allies had already crossed over to the APC before the last Ondo governorship election.  

Receiving him, Ondo APC Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Babatunde described Mimiko as “a thorough progressive” and called his entry “a homecoming”. 

He noted Mimiko’s record in health, education, and infrastructure, saying his experience would strengthen the party’s grassroots reach and complement Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.  

Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja added that Mimiko’s move completes the integration of the “Mimiko political movement” into the APC in Ondo State. “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 all subsequent elections,” Akinlaja said.

Dignitaries at the event included Speaker Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Commissioner for Infrastructure Hon. Olawoye Ayorinde, former SSG, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Hon. Biola Oladapo, Senator Gbenga Ogunniya, Hon. Abiola Makinde, Dr. Michael Ajilo, and Hon. Oluwole Bashiru, among others.