A former Governor of Ondo State and a chieftain of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Olusegun Rahman Mimiko has formally declared his intention to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
This high-profile defection is seen as a major political development coming amid ongoing realignments within the national political landscape as momentum builds ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former Governor’s decision comes after his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective from April 10, 2026.
Mimiko’s departure from the PDP was confirmed in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 7 in Ondo West Local Government Area. He stated, “I am tendering my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective from April 10, 2026,” and explained that his decision was made without animosity toward anyone.
This move is significant as it aligns with the political strategy of the APC to consolidate support and influence in Ondo State as well as South West.
Many of Mimiko’s core loyalists had earlier defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), where they played active roles in the emergence of the current governor, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Among those who had previously left the PDP are prominent figures such as Hon. Iranola Joseph Akinlaja, Hon. Alaba Lad Ojomo, Engr. Gboye Adegbenro, Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, Jide Adejuyigbe, Ms. Taiwo Afilaka, Chief Mrs. Funmilola Oluwadare, Hon. Oladipupo Ajani, Comrade Solomon Adelegan, Comrade Femi Bosede, Hon. Adesoji Ayenuro, and Eni Akinsola, among others.
Confirming the development, Akinsola, who served as Mimiko’s Chief Press Secretary, said the former governor had indeed submitted his resignation letter but declined further comments.
Mimiko, a two-term governor of Ondo State, has in recent times maintained a low profile in partisan politics, making his formal departure a significant development in the state’s evolving political terrain.
