Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has denied insinuations that he
was plotting to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) even
as he met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja,
the second time in two weeks.
Mimiko, who is of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) facing
an uphill task to get his preferred candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, to
succeed him in next weekend’s gubernatorial election in the state.
A faction of the party had thrown up a rival candidate, Jimoh Ibrahim,
who has been recognised by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC).
The APC candidate held a mega rally in Akure, the state capital on
Saturday, attended by Buhari, who was received on arrival at the airport
by Mimiko.
About a fortnight ago, Mimiko had visited Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa
to complain about the role of INEC in recognising Jimoh Ibrahim.
On this second visit, he was asked by journalists if his frequent visit
to the Villa and recieving him in Akure confirmed rumours that he was
tinkering with the idea of defecting to APC.
The governor was, however, vehement in replying that nothing of such
was in the offing and that he only extended the courtesy due to a
President who was visiting his state, Ondo, no matter the party
affiliation.
Mimiko said he was also in the Villa to brief the President on the security situation in Ondo State.
“This is my second visit to the Villa since this crisis in our party
started. As the Chief Security Officer of my state, if there is any
credible threat to security, I owe the responsibility to Nigerians to
apprise Mr President of what is going on.