Tinubu’s economic reforms influenced my defection to APC — Mimiko

Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has attributed his decision to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, to what he described as the impactful reforms of President Bola Tinubu.

Mimiko made the statement on Thursday after formally joining the APC. He was received alongside his supporters by Ondo State APC Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, in Ondo City.

He said his decision was driven by his support for ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to promote peace, progress, and national development.

Mimiko acknowledged that while challenges remain, the administration’s economic reforms and policy direction influenced his political alignment.

“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.

He further referenced ongoing discussions on decentralised policing, noting that the proposal aligns with his long-standing support for state policing.

The APC State Chairman, Kolawole Babatunde, described Mimiko’s defection as a “homecoming,” saying it reflects the growing appeal of the party in the state.

A former federal lawmaker, Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, said Mimiko’s defection would strengthen the party’s structure in Ondo State and improve its political prospects ahead of future elections.