By Peter Omopo
Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has officially joined the All Progressives Congress, marking a major development in the political landscape of Ondo State.
Mimiko, the first governor in the state’s history to complete two terms in office, announced his defection at the APC Secretariat in Ondo City, where he was formally received by the state chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, alongside party leaders and supporters.
His move comes months after several of his loyalists defected to the APC in 2025, a development political observers viewed as a precursor to his eventual alignment with the ruling party.
Speaking during the event, Mimiko said his decision was influenced by his desire to support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a performer committed to national development.
He stated that the Tinubu administration had placed Nigeria on the path of growth and transformation through its ongoing policies and reforms.
Welcoming the former governor into the party, Babatunde described Mimiko’s defection as a significant boost for the APC, citing his political experience, grassroots influence and enduring popularity across Ondo State.
He expressed confidence that Mimiko’s entry into the party would strengthen the APC’s electoral prospects in future elections both in Ondo State and at the national level.
Political analysts say the development could reshape alliances and political calculations ahead of future electoral contests in the state.
