Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has firmly denied rumours claiming he has been appointed to lead a 2027 presidential consultation team for former President Goodluck Jonathan in the South West.
The speculation, which surfaced online and in some political circles, suggested that Jonathan may be considering a political comeback and that Mimiko had been picked to coordinate his moves in the region.
The rumour further claimed that former Osun State Governor, now National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, was the one who recommended Mimiko for the role.
But in a swift reaction, Mimiko’s camp dismissed the report as false and misleading. In a statement released in Akure, his former Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, described the news as “a concocted rumour dressed in news.”
Akinsola stated clearly that Mimiko has not been contacted, appointed, or involved in any way in Jonathan’s political activities or consultations. He said the former governor remains focused on his private life and has not sought any political appointments.
“The Mimiko that I know respects former President Jonathan, but has neither been reached nor appointed for a campaign that is still the subject – and may well end as a subject – of fanciful speculation. I am sure he is also not job-hunting,” Akinsola said.
He added that the story is a product of political gossip, warning that as 2027 draws closer, more such fabrications may surface, especially involving prominent political names like Mimiko, popularly known as Iroko.
“As politics takes a more frenetic pace, such cooked stories will not be scarce, especially concerning political figures like Iroko who have chosen to remain low for now,” he added.
Dr. Mimiko, who served as governor of Ondo State for two terms (2009–2017), has in recent years taken a quieter approach to politics, choosing not to be publicly involved in major national campaigns or political movements.
Former President Jonathan, on the other hand, has not officially declared interest in the 2027 elections, and it remains unclear if he intends to return to active politics. The rumour appears to be part of early political manoeuvrings ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive election season.
