Fresh insights have revealed why former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has yet to officially defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), even as many of his loyalists have already abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling party.

Sources close to the situation told “News Eyes Daily” that Mimiko, the PDP leader in Ondo State, is awaiting a “green light” from the Presidential Villa before formally announcing his move to the APC. 

Mimiko, who governed Ondo State for eight years is reportedly aiming to make his defection a national event rather than a state-level affair.

According to insiders, Mimiko is in talks with his allies within the APC to arrange for a high-profile reception by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key national leaders of the party at the Presidential Villa. 

He is said to have already instructed his supporters to return to their local wards and officially exit the PDP for the APC.

Last Saturday, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reportedly met with several of Mimiko’s loyalists at the Governor’s office in Akure. 

Among those present were Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele, Engr. Gboye Adegbenro, Arc. Olajide Adejuyigbe, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, Barr. Tunde Atere, Ms. Taiye Afilaka, and Omooba Eni Akinsola.

One source revealed, “It is true that Mimiko has directed his followers to join the APC. While his body remains in the PDP, his soul is already with the APC. They have become political wanderers since 2014 when he rejoined PDP from LP. Mimiko dumped PDP for ZLP where he contested for the senate which he lost in the 2019 general elections. He and his followers returned to the PDP in 2021, and they are now joining APC.

“Mimiko views the APC as a platform to revive his political career and wishes to be accorded the respect he believes he deserves.

“It is an insult that he will now decamp in Akure where he will be received by the State Chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin or Aiyedatiwa. Mimiko is a national figure that will add value to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections”.

The former governor is reportedly seeking a reception similar to that of other notable defectors, such as former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Pius Anyim and ex-Katsina Governor Ibrahim Shema, both of whom were welcomed by President Tinubu at the Villa, bypassing state-level receptions.

Mimiko’s defection is seen as a strategic move, possibly aimed at leveraging the recent passing of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to assume a significant leadership role within the APC. 

As the only living former governor in the state, Mimiko may see this as an opportunity to reassert his influence without needing the current governor’s endorsement to access the party’s national apparatus.

However, insiders suggest that Mimiko is still awaiting confirmation on whether he will receive the presidential reception he desires, which is delaying his official switch to the APC. 

His past as a political ally of Tinubu, followed by a rift when he supported the PDP and attempted to weaken the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), adding a complex layer to his anticipated defection.

 In a bid to alleviate present economic hardship faced by the elderly, vulnerable people and the down trodden in the society, a philanthropist and politician Oluwatobi Aruwajoye also Known as Son Of Grace has donated essential palliative foodstuffs like Rice, Beans and Garri to more than 300 benefiaries. 

 This initiative, tagged “Aiyedatiwa-Adelami Cares” championed by the “Lucky Son Of Grace Movement” powered by Oluwatobi Aruwajoye 

which is aimed at complimenting the efforts of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa at bettering the welfare of the people of the sunshine state, aims to bring much-needed assistance to the grassroots level.

The Lucky Son of Grace Palliative Program which was held on Sunday, July 14th, 2024, at the Aruwajoye Civic Center, Owo, according to Oluwatobi Aruwajoye is dedicated to offering comfort and care by reducing hunger in our community and providing support to the elderly and other vunurable people through the distribution of free food items.

In a his speech, Oluwatobi Aruwajoye stated “In the heart of Owo, the mission of the “Son Of Grace” is clear and unwavering: to improve the lives of our people in every possible way. This is a mission I carry with deep commitment and passion”.

“We also have a deep commitment to caring for the most vulnerable members of our community. Our food aid programs are a lifeline for elders, the disabled, and the less privileged. By providing access to nutritious meals, we address both immediate needs and advocate for long-term solutions to food insecurity. Our compassion and dedication are evident in our tireless work to uplift those in need”.

“The ‘Lucky Son of Grace’ movement is part of my philanthropic gestures at ensuring that the down trodden are reached constantly and provided with the basics of life and it’s a means of complementing the numerous efforts of the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa at ensuring that welfare of the people of the sunshine state are well attended to even at a crucial period like this. 

 “On this day, Saturday July 14, 2024, with the “Aiyedatiwa – Adelami cares”  program under the “Lucky Son Of Grace Movement” we have gathered beneficiaries here at the Aruwajoye Civic Centre, Owo to receive essential foodstuff supplies like Rice, Beans and Garri. Knowing that those who need it most receive the help they deserve,  I am filled with hope and determination that this initiative will definitely make an impact positively and relatively in the lives of our people”. 

“I promise that this initiative will not be a one-off event but a regular one that will make endeavor to ensure that thousands will eventually benefit. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and the enablement to survive”.

The beneficiaries were so elated as they showed praises, encomium and prayers on him. They urged others to emulate the kind and thoughtful gestures at ensuring that a lot is done to help those that are in dire need of help in a crucial period like this. 

They also testified to the fact that Oluwatobi Aruwajoye has been quite helpful in other crucial sectors like education, where he has made it a priority to support the educational journey of the children through initiatives that provide school uniforms, sandals, books and school fees. 

 In addition, Oluwatobi Aruwajoye has launched programs to support  small business owners. He has been offering financial assistance and mentorship to entrepreneurs by  empowering then to launch and grow their businesses. This creates job opportunities and fosters economic growth, enabling individuals to build better lives for themselves and their families. All these efforts he has embarked upon in the bid to make the people self-sufficient.

The Supreme Court has directed that local government allocations from the Federation Account should be paid directly to them henceforth. 

The Apex Court said it is unconstitutional for state governors to hold Local Government Funds.

Details later…