Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress, in a move expected to significantly alter the political dynamics in Ondo State.
Mimiko, who remains the first governor in the state’s history to complete two terms in office, announced his decision at the APC Secretariat in Ondo City, where he was formally received by the party’s state chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, alongside other party leaders and supporters.
The development follows the earlier defection of several of Mimiko’s loyalists to the APC in 2025, a move many political analysts viewed as preparation for the former governor’s eventual entry into the ruling party.
Speaking during the reception, Mimiko explained that his decision was influenced by his desire to support the administration and re-election efforts of President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a leader focused on national development and economic transformation.
According to him, the current administration has positioned Nigeria on a path of accelerated growth and progress.
Welcoming the former governor into the APC, Babatunde described the development as a major political gain for the party in Ondo State.
He said Mimiko’s political experience, grassroots support and popularity across the state would further strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.
Babatunde also expressed confidence that the former governor’s entry into the ruling party would boost its electoral prospects both within Ondo State and nationally.
Political observers believe Mimiko’s defection could reshape alliances and influence calculations ahead of upcoming political contests in the state, especially given his longstanding influence in Ondo politics.
