Former Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko Joins APC, Backs Tinubu’s Reforms

A former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), weeks after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mimiko, who governed Ondo State from 2009 to 2016, was formally received into the APC on Thursday at the party’s secretariat in Ward 7, Ondo West Local Government Area.

Explaining his decision, the former governor said he joined the APC to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to advance national development and sustain peace and progress across the country.

According to him, several policies introduced by the Tinubu administration demonstrate a commitment to genuine development, although he noted that more still needs to be done.

Mimiko specifically praised the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major initiative aimed at expanding access to education for Nigerians. He also commended the Federal Government’s push for decentralised policing, noting that, as a long-time advocate of state police, he strongly supports the ongoing reforms.

“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 said.

Welcoming the former governor into the party, Ondo APC chairman Kolawole Babatunde described Mimiko as a committed progressive leader with notable achievements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure during his time in office.

Babatunde said Mimiko’s defection to the APC was “a homecoming,” adding that President Tinubu’s policies and reforms continue to attract progressive-minded Nigerians across the country.