Governor Mimiko Finally Returns To PDP With Supporters

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, Politics Thursday, October 2nd, 2014

From Ganiyu Nasirudeen

After weeks of speculations, the Ondo State Governor and only on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), Olusegun Mimiko has finally dumped the workers political fold and formally announced his return to the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP).

The Governor was not alone in the ‘back home’ cross carpeting, as he led two members of the state National Assembly, 26 members of the state House of Assembly, as well as all members of the State Executive Council and other former state LP stalwarts to the PDP.

Mimiko announced his formal return to PDP Thursday, in the Presidential Villa, FCT Abuja, in the presence of the Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President, David Mark; Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Udahagan and PDP South West leaders.

The Governor stated his declaration was made after “extensive consultations across the land”, adding that he shifted with all the state legislators, members of the National Assembly, his cabinet members and supporters in Ondo chapter of LP.

He indicated his consultation cut across all stakeholders in the state, which included traditional rulers, religious leaders, artisans, trade unions and community leaders.

His main task as he returned home, Mimiko stated was to deliver the state and ensure the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan was re- elected in the 2015 Presidential election.

It would be recalled Governor Mimiko was frustrated out of the PDP at twilight of former President Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 2007 owing to political differences between the duo.

Consequently, the former Secretary to the Federal Government and Minister of Housing dumped the ruling PDP and pursued his Gubernatorial ambition under LP. He won but rigged out by the same party he returned, but reclaimed his mandate about three years later through court ruling, culmination in ousting of the then civilian Governor of the state late Olusegun Agagu.