By Dayo Johnson

Akure — LEADERS  of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo have resolved to  give governor Olusegun Mimiko a soft landing  after his decision to defect to the party at the national level.

Vanguard gathered that the leaders after series of meetings since news filtered in a week ago, have resolved to welcome him with open hands.

Also, the governor has met individually with leaders of the party in the state to intimate them of his decision to join the party.

Those the governor have met included the Board of Trustee, BoT, member in the state, Dr Bode Olajumoke, former Austria Ambassador Professor Olu Agbi, former governorship candidate of the party in the state, Chief Olusola Oke and Chief Segun Adegoke

Others spoken to  according to sources, included former deputy governor, Chief Omolade Oluwateru who is the Ambassador to Uganda.

The outcome of the meetings the governor had with the leaders was conveyed to the larger house at a meeting held in the state.

Dr. Olajumoke was quoted to have told the leaders that the defection of the governor should be seen from the positive side and a plus to the party.

Vanguard gathered that party leaders agreed to educate their constituencies that the governor meant well and should be welcomed with open hands.

The former governorship candidate Chief Oke confirmed that the leaders had agreed to welcome the governor to the party. Oke in a statement in Akure said Governor Olusegun Mimiko “personally informed me of his decision to join to our great party. This in mine and my supporters’ views is a welcome development. It can only and will certainly further strengthen our party towards the actualisation of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. It will also ensure a compelling victory for our party in the 2015 elections and beyond.”