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Tag: Mimiko

  • Ondo 2024: Ajayi didn’t accord me, Mikimo any political relevance – Tofowomo

    Ondo 2024: Ajayi didn’t accord me, Mikimo any political relevance – Tofowomo

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ondo State, Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, says the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Mr Agboola Ajayi, did not accord him and former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko any political relevance.

    Tofowomo, who represented Ondo South Senatorial District at the Ninth Assembly, stated this in an interview with NAN on Monday in Okitipupa.

    While Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa is the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election scheduled for Nov.16, Ajayi is the PDP standard bearer.

    Tofowomo said it was unfortunate that both himself and Mimiko, who was governor of the state between 2009 and 2017, were not given any specific role to play in the preparation for the forthcoming election.

    The former senator said that he called Ajayi and congratulated him immediately he won the PDP governorship ticket to show that he never had anything against him.

    “In the PDP’s electoral committee list, former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko is number 78 while I am number 139 or so.

    “With the list, I can understand that neither the former governor nor me was accorded any political relevance in the selection of members of the team,” he said.

    Consequently, Tofowomo said he could not say categorically who would win the governorship election between Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi.

    The former lawmaker, who said that he could only talk of what he was sure of, pointing out that since he was not aware of the preparations, he could not boast of PDP winning the election.

    “I can only talk and boast about what I am sure of; that is why I said I am not certain if Aiyedatiwa or Ajayi will win the election. However, I wish both of them good luck.

    “My supporters have been asking me where should they go but I told them to hold on until I will be able to tell them where to go at the appropriate time,” he said.

    The former senator, however, said that he was not planning to defect to any party, stressing that he remained a bona fide member and strong chieftain of PDP.

    Recall that Ajayi and Tofowomo contested the Ondo South Senatorial primary on May 22, 2023, with Ajayi emerging the winner with 78 votes to defeat Tofowomo who scored 74 votes.

    NAN also reports that efforts to get the reaction of Ajayi proved abortive, as calls made to his phone was not going through as at the time of filing this report.

  • Mimiko reacts to report on betrayal, declares support for Wike over Ayu removal

    Mimiko reacts to report on betrayal, declares support for Wike over Ayu removal

    Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has said he would not ditch the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, and other governors of the Peoples Democratic Party or abandon the agitation for regional equity within the party.

    The ex-governor stated this on Wednesday while rejecting his nomination as ‘Leader of Campaign’ following his purported nomination on the Ondo State PDP Presidential Campaign Council list.

    According to Mimiko, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, John Paul Akinduro, the appearance of his name on the list was fake as well as a deliberate attempt to muddle things up and smear his person.

    He emphasised that he was not consulted by anyone and that he did not consent to his inclusion in the state’s PDP PCC list.

    “Dr Olusegun Mimiko has been inundated with calls and messages from the general public, and his political friends and concerned individuals around the nation; and in particular, his teeming supporters across the length and breadth of Ondo State, seeking clarity on a fake news making the rounds since yesterday that he had ditched Governors Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde and their colleagues governors, and abandoned the agitation for regional equity within the PDP; and in particular, making a party member of southern extraction it’s the national chairman before the 2023 election.

    “For the avoidance of doubt and to set the record straight, Dr Mimiko is unwavering in his commitment to the principle of equity, fairness and justice through which he believes a credible push for a PDP victory is possible.

    “He fully subscribes to the agitation by his colleagues and other stakeholders in PDP and the generality of Nigerians that the PDP structure must reflect Nigeria’s diversity, if it genuinely wants to unify a visibly divided country.”

  • How I made Mimiko, Aregbesola, Fayemi governors – Tinubu boasts

    How I made Mimiko, Aregbesola, Fayemi governors – Tinubu boasts

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidential aspirant, Bola Tinubu, on Friday disclosed how he made Governor Kayode Fayemi and former governors; Rauf Aregbesola and Olusegun Mimiko to become governors of their respective states.

    The former Lagos State governor also revealed that he had helped President Muhammadu Buhari to chase out PDP from Aso Rock in 2015.

    Tinubu made this disclosure during a visit to the traditional rulers in the three senatorial districts of Ondo State, seeking their support for his 2023 presidential aspiration.

    Speaking at the palace of the Deji of Akure, the former governor said he had helped many people in the country to achieve their political goals.

    Among the beneficiaries of his political benevolence, Tinubu mentioned a former governor of Osun and Ondo States, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Dr Olusegun Mimiko respectively. He also mentioned Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and the President Muhammadu Buhari among others.

    Tinubu said, “I helped Mimiko get his mandate through court after two years that he was elected. I helped Fayemi get his mandate after three years. It took Aregbesola three years and 10 months to get his mandate. We have helped many people like that.

    “We helped Buhari sack them (PDP). We supported him to complete his eight-year term and I have told him I want to succeed him. He said I should go ahead, that is why I came to seek the support of the traditional rulers.”

    Tinubu promised to solve the various problems of the country if given the opportunity to be the next president.

    “Lagos State was the worst state in Africa when I became governor, we generate meagre revenue then but we did our best. Look at Lagos now, it generates over N40 billion in revenue.

    “Division is one of the problems in Nigeria too but there is no division in Lagos because any tribe or religion is welcomed as they can contest and win elections. That is why Lagos is thriving.

    “Nigeria has the potential to compete with Russia in oil and gas exploration. If we harness our resources properly and if there is stable electricity, Nigeria will also compete with other nations in manufacturing.

    “I am here to seek the blessing of our royal fathers for my presidential ambition because I know where the problems are and if given the opportunity in 2023, Nigeria will be ranked among the best nations in the world. I am imploring all eligible voters to get their Permanent Voters Card revalidated for them to exercise their civic responsibilities,” Tinubu stated.

    Responding, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, described Tinubu as a person who could solve the country’s problems.

    In Okitipupa, where Tinubu met with the monarchs at the Ondo South Senatorial District, the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick Obateru-Akinrunta, who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers, saluted the courage of Tinubu for declaring his presidential ambition, saying he has the charisma and ability to turn the country to a better place.

  • BREAKING: Ex-Ondo Gov, Mimiko defects to PDP, takes entire ZLP along

    BREAKING: Ex-Ondo Gov, Mimiko defects to PDP, takes entire ZLP along

    Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko has defected to his former political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Recall that Mimiko is the senatorial candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for Ondo Central District in the 2019 election.

    Following Mimiko’s decision, stakeholders of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP from across the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State have resolved to join the PDP after a meeting held at his (Mimiko) residence in Ondo on Wednesday.

    The meeting which has Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, his running mate, Gboye Adegbenro, former speaker, Jumoke Akindele, the state chairman of the party, Hon Joseph Akinlaja among other leaders in attendance resolved after deliberations to pitch their tent with the Peoples Democratic Party to rescue the country from the misrule of the APC and set her on a path of peace and progress for the benefit of all.

    The meeting followed an earlier visit by four PDP governors led by chairman of their forum, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State. Okezie Ikpeazu, Nyesom Wike and Seyi Makinde had told the press after their meeting with Mimiko that they are in Ondo to invite Mimiko and his teeming supporters in the ZLP to the PDP.

    The stakeholders meeting was called to discuss the meeting with the PDP governors and intimate members with the outcomes of a series of interactions with PDP leaders on the invitation extended to him.

    Mimiko told the stakeholders that the ZLP is being invited to join the PDP to rescue the country from the brink of insecurity.

    Stakeholders appraised developments across the nation and agreed that the PDP is the most viable platform to work with to be able to work towards winning future elections in the State and in the country as a whole.

    Mimiko had earlier told members that leaders of the PDP have shown demonstrable commitment to fully integrate all willing joiners from the ZLP and accord them full membership rights in what promises to be a win for PDP members and Nigerians alike.

    After detailed deliberations by leaders across Local Government Areas, Hon. Akinlaja, the State Chairman, asked that a motion moved for members of the ZLP in Ondo State to join the PDP be put to vote to which all present voted ‘yes’ by popular acclamation.

  • 2023 romance: Makinde, Wike, two other PDP governors meet Mimiko in Ondo [+ Photos]

    2023 romance: Makinde, Wike, two other PDP governors meet Mimiko in Ondo [+ Photos]

    Four Governors under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are currently meeting the former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko at his Ondo residence.

    Recall that Mimiko is the senatorial candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for Ondo Central District in the 2019 election and still a member of the same party (ZLP).

    Among the governors who visited Iroko as he (Mimiko) is fondly called by his supporters include Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto and Okezie Ikpeazu, (Abia).


    According to reports, the meeting is not unconnected to plans by Mimiko to return to the PDP.

    At the meeting are former deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, three members of the Ondo state house of assembly, Rasheed Elegbeleye, Tomide Akinribido, Festus Akingbaso, former speaker, Jumoke Akindele, former chief Judge, Olaseinde Kumuyi and deputy governorship Candidate of ZLP in the 2020 election, Gboye Adegbenro.

    Others include former House of Reps member, Joseph Akinlaja, ex-governorship aspirant, Banji Okunomo, as well as Dr Kola Ademujimi, Eni Akinsola, John-Paul Akinduro, Andrew Ogunsakin, Ayo Fadoju, Afolabi Akinsiku, Bolanle Olafunmiloye, Funmilola Oluwadare, Taye Afilaka among other top former senior aides to Mimiko.

    The meeting is being held behind closed doors.

  • 2023: Utomi, Jega, Mimiko, Ezekwesili, 26 other prominent Nigerians launch political coalition

    2023: Utomi, Jega, Mimiko, Ezekwesili, 26 other prominent Nigerians launch political coalition

    Over 30 political stakeholders and other prominent Nigerians have launched a political coalition to mobilise Nigerians ahead of the 2023 elections.

    The coalition also seeks to engage the Federal Government to adopt the electronic transmission of results in Nigeria as part of efforts to ensure free, fair elections.

    Professor of political economy and management expert, Pat Utomi, announced the formation of the coalition in a statement on Thursday.

    The formation of the coalition was part of the resolutions of an emergency National Political Summit held on October 1 to discuss electoral challenges in the country.

    Those at the summit include Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Professor Remi Sonaiya, Dr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Senator Shehu Sani, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Adewole Adebayo, Dr Okwadike Ezeife, Dr Sarah Jubril, Dr Monday Ubani, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Maryam Inna Ciroma, Ariyo Toye Dare, Dr Olu Usim Wilson, Hadjia Zainab Maina, Ezekiel Nya Etok, Chief Precious Elekima, Colonel Bello Fadile, Olúdáre Ogunlana, Dr Chike Okogwu, Dr Tanko Yunusa, among others.

    Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Prof Kingsley Moghalu, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, and 55 other leaders participated in the Summit via zoom, while former Speaker of the House of Representatives Ghali Umar Naa’aba and PRP National Chairman Mallam Falalu Bello were among those who apologised for being “unavoidable indisposed”.

    The meeting was chaired by Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, and Former President of Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

    Professor Utomi, who is the Chairman of the coalition’s Local Organising Committee, explained the reasons behind its formation.

    He said, “Against the background of the submissions and proposals of stakeholders, the Summit agreed to initiate an all-inclusive national political coalition to mobilise Nigerians, while engaging the Federal Government for the adoption of electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria and also to ensure that there is a collective mandate of all stakeholders towards the advocacy for other related electoral reforms in Nigeria so that the country does not end up with another Electoral Act that does more to undermine the integrity and credibility of the electoral process instead of improving it.”

    He added that it was agreed at the summit that the manual/physical transfer of election results, described as “archaic, problematic and prone to abuse and infractions”, was one major factor and alibi for electoral malpractices and rigging in Nigeria.

    “Consequently, Stakeholders across party divides and sectional lines, including civil society groups agree that the country is ripe and due for electronic transmission of election results to overcome at least 50 percent of the basis for electoral malpractices in Nigeria as asserted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,” he said.

    “The summit agrees that Electronic Transmission of results is the way to go for Nigeria and all stakeholders across party and sectional lines must build a common front to do the needful in ensuring credible electoral reforms for Nigeria ahead of the 2023 elections.”

  • Akeredolu, Mimiko mourn House of Reps member, Omolafe

    Akeredolu, Mimiko mourn House of Reps member, Omolafe

    Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko on Monday described the death of Adedayo Omolafe, member of the House Representatives, representing Akure South/North Federal Constituency, as shocking and devastating.

    In a statement issued by Richard Olatunde, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Akeredolu said that no news of illness was heard about the lawmaker before his sudden death in the wee hours of Sunday.

    “Like every mortal, Omolafe is gone in fulfillment of the mankind’s inescapable debt. It is painful that such a bright star is gone too soon. For our dear state, this is a big blow dealt by the ugly sting of death. It is a devastating tragedy.He was renowned for his generosity, touching lives and making people smile with his act of giving. He was a grassroots politician. His death is a great loss to Akure kingdom and the state in general,” he said.

    Similarly, Mimiko, who is the immediate past governor of Ondo state also described the death of the lawmaker, popularly called ‘Expensive’, as a huge loss to the Akure people and Ondo State in general.

    Mimiko, in a statement by John Paul Akinduro, his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, said the death of the federal lawmaker has left a big vacuum that may be difficult to fill.

    “I am profoundly sad to learn of the passing to the great beyond of one of the most-loved and illustrious sons of Akure, Ifedayo Omolafe, also known as Expensive. “Although, death is inevitable, Omolafe’s exit is a rude shock. His incredible ability to connect with the people, the high and the lowly alike, is one major value he will be leaving behind.

    “Expensive had unquantifiable amount of street credibility and respectability uncommon among the elite.
    He was known and respected by the commoners, who he gave time and energy to court and serve,” the former governor said.

    Mimiko condoled his family, the people of Akure, his constituency and his political associates for the irreparable loss.

    Omolafe also served as an elected Executive Chairman of Akure South Local Government in 2004.

  • Mimiko denies plot to defect to APC, says partisan politics least of his concern

    Mimiko denies plot to defect to APC, says partisan politics least of his concern

    Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the immediate past governor of Ondo State, on Wednesday indicated that partisan consideration is the least of his concerns now.

    This was in reaction to a report on his supposed plans to defect to the ruling All People’s Congress (APC), published by a social media platform.

    Mimiko, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, John Paul Akinduro, said in a situation where the nation is tottering on the precipice as a result of widespread insecurity, he was more concerned about how to pull the nation back from the brinks, and not some rumoured defection into another party.

    According to Akinduro, the report on Dr Mimiko’s supposed plan to defect to APC “is a piece of fake news.”

    Dr. Mimiko has been in Abuja in the past one week or so, the statement continues, “to attend some events, including the meeting of some NGOs with ethnic-nationality leaders, all hinged on heartfelt concern for the deepening insecurity in the land; and how to fashion out workable solutions, especially through the plank of restructuring.

    “He, within the days of his stay in Abuja, actively participated in the programme tagged ‘Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Transition Inter-Etnic Peace Dialogue,’ held at the Trancorp Hilton, Abuja, on Monday, and the 71st Birthday Celebration and Book Presentation of his party stalwart and friend, Honourable Iranola Joseph Akinlaja, held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, on Tuesday, June 1st,” the statement added.

    “It is noteworthy that at Hon Akinlaja’s book presentation, Dr Mimiko harped on the theme of security, by advising the President on the centrality of the security challenge to his legacy. He also had many informal meetings with Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divide, on the need to find lasting, just and fair solutions to the orgy of violence and bloodletting across the country.

    “No where was any mention made or discussion held on any possible defection to any party. Dr. Mimiko remains in the Zenith Labour Party and his hope has been a collaboration of left leaning political groups to offer a real ideologically driven alternative in the nation’s political process,” the statement concluded.

  • Mimiko backs Southern governors resolutions

    Mimiko backs Southern governors resolutions

    Former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has thrown his weight behind the resolutions arrived at by southern governors after a meeting held in Asaba on Tuesday.

    Mimiko also urged the southern governors to meet with their northern counterparts to resolve the areas of differences and save the country from its current predicament.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the former governor on Thursday.

    The statement read, “It is also salutary that members of the Southern Caucus of the National Assembly have weighed in. It’s all a reflection of the realisation of the fact that the nation may be perching at the precipice, and of the urgent need to pull her back.

    “The next step is for the southern governors to meet with their northern counterparts to iron out what may just be minor areas of difference in substance and timelines.

    “There cannot be any reasonable arguments against decentralisation of policing to ensure the emergence of compact and efficient sub-national forces under state (sub-national government control).

    “There surely cannot be any disagreement amongst the governors on the issue of devolution of resources from the centre. As a matter of fact, the present revenue allocation formula has long been statutorily due for review. New sources of revenue will surely be needed for state policing, and to address ongoing security challenges in the states.

    “The Governors’ Forum also recently took a position on open grazing in its virtual meeting of February 2021. In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the Forum had noted: ‘The current system of herding mainly through open grazing is no longer sustainable, in view of growing urbanisation and population of the country.’

    “That position has now been reiterated at the Asaba meeting, underscoring the need for, and urgency of implementation of remedial measures. Timelines and details of these measures can be worked out amongst the governors. The truth is, we may actually be closer to a national consensus on short to medium term solutions to our present challenges than we imagine.”

    Mimiko advised all the stakeholders to act on the Nigeria issue when it was time to do so.

  • Ondo poll: I will shock Akeredolu, Eyitayo on Saturday – Agboola

    Ondo poll: I will shock Akeredolu, Eyitayo on Saturday – Agboola

    The Deputy Governor of Ondo State and candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Hon Agboola Ajayi on Wednesday said he will defeat other candidates in Saturday’s election to emerge the next governor of the State.

    Ajayi who was speaking in Owo area of the State during his campaign tour, said he has all it takes to defeat other candidates in the election.

    He told the residents not to panic during the Saturday’s election but go out and cast their votes.

    Agboola said the threat of violence before, during and after the election is an empty one as security agencies would be on ground to protect lives and properties.

    The deputy governor, however, regretted the violence that had claimed people’s life during the clashes among rival political parties.

    He advised his supporters not to take arm against anybody but should go out, vote and make sure their votes count.

    His words “We are here to campaign. We are not here to fight anybody. Please, don’t allow anybody to provoke you. Vote and protect your votes.”

    In his remark, former Governor of the State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko said many people were scared to attend political rallies because of the violence of the past.

    Mimiko who is the national leader of ZLP said not less than five people have lost their lives in the last few weeks as a result of political violence.

    His words “They should ask Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu why his party members are using guns to pursue members of rival political parties”

    He criticised the use of shuttle buses meant to convey students of primary schools for electioneering campaign by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mimiko said “Our party believes that government projects are for the benefit of the people. They should know that there is life after office.”