Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing an end to his membership in one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
Mimiko disclosed this in a letter addressed to the PDP chairman in Ward 7, Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The letter, dated April 10, 2026, confirmed that his resignation took effect from that same day.
In the letter, the former governor stated clearly that he was no longer a member of the party, citing ongoing speculations about his political status as one of the reasons for making his decision public.
“I am tendering my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, effective from April 10, 2026,” he wrote.
He added that repeated questions and uncertainty about his involvement in party activities made it necessary for him to formally clarify his position.
“Speculations and inquiries about my membership status have made it necessary for me to clarify my position. As I have been somewhat distanced from party activities, I wish to put it on record that I am no longer a member of the PDP,” he stated.
Mimiko also stressed that his decision was not driven by personal conflict or disagreement with members of the party. According to him, the move was taken without any form of bitterness.
Olusegun Mimiko served as governor of Ondo State from 2009 to 2016. During his time in office, he was known for his focus on social welfare programmes, healthcare reforms, and infrastructure development.
His political journey has seen him move across different parties over the years. He was first elected governor under the Labour Party after a prolonged legal battle that led to the overturning of the initial election result. He later returned to the PDP, where he remained until his recent resignation.
Mimiko’s exit from the PDP adds to the ongoing changes within Nigeria’s political landscape, where politicians often switch parties or withdraw from active participation due to shifting alliances and internal party dynamics.
The PDP, one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties, has in recent years faced internal challenges, including leadership disputes and defections by some members. While the party still maintains a strong presence across the country, developments like this continue to shape its structure at both national and state levels.
In Ondo State, Mimiko remains a respected political figure with a strong support base. His tenure as governor left a mark on the state’s political history, and his decisions are often closely watched by supporters and analysts alike.
However, since leaving office in 2016, he has largely stayed away from frontline politics. Unlike some former governors who remain active in party affairs or seek new positions, Mimiko has maintained a relatively quiet public presence.
Some political watchers also point out that the timing of his resignation, coming ahead of future election cycles, could still open the door for possible realignment if he chooses to return to active politics later.
For now, the former governor’s statement suggests a clear break from party politics, at least for the moment. His emphasis on being “distanced from party activities” indicates that his disengagement has been gradual rather than sudden.
The development has sparked reactions among party members and political stakeholders in Ondo State, although there has been no official response from the PDP leadership at the time of filing this report.
Mimiko’s resignation highlights a common trend in Nigerian politics, where political figures step back or shift positions based on changing circumstances. It also reflects the fluid nature of party membership in the country.
As one of Ondo State’s prominent political leaders, his next move whether a return to active politics or continued withdrawal will likely attract attention.
For now, his exit from the PDP marks the end of another chapter in his long political career, leaving questions about what lies ahead for the former governor and how his decision may influence the political scene in Ondo State.