Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, marking a high‑profile shift in the state’s political landscape. Mimiko entered the APC Secretariat in Ondo City and was received by state chairman Kolawole Babatunde, along with senior party officials and supporters.
The ceremony confirmed Mimiko’s long‑rumored alignment with the ruling party. He is the first individual to complete two terms as governor of Ondo State, a distinction that has amplified the political weight of his move. His defection follows a gradual exodus of several of his loyalists to the APC earlier this year, a trend analysts describe as strategic positioning for future collaboration with the federal government.
Mimiko’s transition to the APC arrives at a time when the party is consolidating its influence across the Southwest. Party insiders suggest that his experience and network could bolster the APC’s prospects in forthcoming elections, although specific ambitions were not disclosed during the gathering.
Observers note that the shift may reshape electoral calculations in Ondo, where opposition parties have traditionally vied closely with the APC. By incorporating a former two‑term governor, the APC hopes to broaden its appeal beyond its established base.
The political community will watch closely how Mimiko integrates into APC structures and whether his move inspires further realignments among regional leaders. Upcoming local council contests and the 2027 general elections are likely to be the first tests of the new alliance’s impact.
