Olusegun Mimiko, the immediate past Governor of Ondo State and presidential aspirant in the 2019 general election, has again dumped the Labour Party (LP).
Mimiko, who had left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Labour Party (LP) in June, is set to again announce his new move to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Sahara Reporters has just learnt.
His latest decision is likely due to the crisis that has rocked the Labour Party (LP) since his sudden return.
Two weeks ago, Mimiko had announced his bid to run for President under the platform of the party.
A source who confirmed the latest development to our correspondent in Akure on Friday said Mimiko has again perfected the plans to dump Labour Party.
The source, who pleaded not to be named, hinted that Mimiko had been having issues with some leadership of the labour party since he officially revealed his intention to contest.
“Mimiko’s decision to leave the Labour Party was due to a leadership crisis rocking the party in Abuja,” the source said.
“And I know by tomorrow (Saturday) he will officially release a statement in relation to his new move away from the Labour Party to realise his presidential ambition.
“I am very much aware that the ex- Ondo Governor will now be joining the Zenith Labour Party, which was one of the new political parties registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
Sahara Reporters gathered that Mimiko had already met with Chief Dan Iwuanyanwu, who is the new Chairman of Zenith Labour Party, and Mr. Kayode Ajulo, the Secretary of the party in Abuja, to perfect the new deal.
The source explained how LP leaders had been frustrating Mimiko since he announced his intention to run for President, saying: “The organised labour leaders don’t want Dr. Mimiko to use the Labour Party to contest for his presidential ambition.
“This was same party that Mimiko invested in while still in PDP and in fact, he was paying the salaries of the staff of the LP even at the national level while in PDP as Governor.
“It is sad that the leadership of the Labour Party who really benefited from Mimiko’s generosity are now saying he can’t contest in the party.
“We are very much aware that they are being used by Adams Oshiomhole, the Chairman of APC, who still has control over the labour leaders claiming to be the owners of the party.”