Mimiko returns to PDP after parley with Tambuwal, Wike, Makinde, Ikpeazu

Four governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday held talks with the immediate past governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, on his return to the party.

Governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) met Mimiko in his hometown, Ondo, in Ondo West Local Government area of the state.

At the meeting, Mimiko, who is the national leader of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), agreed to return to the PDP.

Others who rejoined the PDP with the former governor included immediate past Deputy Governor and ZLP governorship candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, his running mate, Engr. Gboye Adegbenro and state chairman of ZLP, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja.

Also, former governorship aspirant of PDP, Hon. Banji Okunomo; former Chief of Staff, Dr. Kola Ademujimi; Senatorial candidate, Mr. Eni Akinsola; former Special Assistants – John-Paul Akinduro, Andrew Ogunsakin, Ayo Fadoju, Afolabi Akinsiku, Bolanle Olafunmiloye, Funmilola Oluwadare and Taye Afilaka.

Tambuwal, who spoke with reporters after the close door meeting, said they visited Mimiko in order to woo him into the party.

Tambuwal, who is the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, said they are rebuilding the PDP ahead of the 2023 general election. Mimiko once chaired PDP Governors’ Forum.

His words: “We are here in the beautiful town of Ondo, in Ondo State, the home of our leader, brother and friend, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to reinvite him back to his family, his political family, the PDP and work towards rescuing Nigeria.

“I am here with the governors of Abia, Rivers and Oyo. We have had a very robust engagement with him and very optimistic we will hear something very positive from him soonest.

“The position is simple. Let us come back to reposition the PDP and rescue the country. The urgency of the matter is now. We are rebuilding the political platform, the PDP, towards ensuring that PDP is back to power in 2023.”

Shortly after, Mimiko met with stakeholders in the ZLP where it was agreed that they would join the PDP to help rescue Nigeria from the claws of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The stakeholders from across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state resolved to join the PDP after a meeting held at the residence of Mimiko.

The stakeholders resolved after deliberations to pitch their tent with the PDP.

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.