Ex-Ondo gov’s brother emerges as ZLP governorship candidate

Ex-Ondo gov’s brother emerges as ZLP governorship candidate

Joel Oladele 

Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has declared Dr. Abass Mimiko, the younger brother to a former governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as its candidate. 

Mimiko emerged on Wednesday through affirmation at the primary election that was held at the party’s secretariat in Akure, the state capital.

Speaking shortly after the declaration, the medical doctor turned politician reeled out his agenda for the state if elected, with education, health, economy and security as his major focus.

“We are forced to be reckoned with in this election. We will ensure food security, within a year of our being in the office, we will have a surplus of food in Ondo State; we will ensure affordable quality education, industrialization, housing, free health services for all residents are part of our programmes,” he stated.

Addressing the question of  whether his brother, former Governor Mimiko, who is in another political party is in  support of his ambition or not, Abbas noted that his brother had thrown his weight behind him in his quest to become the next governor of the state.

”Former governor Mimiko said he had no doubt if Abass becomes the governor of the state, everyone will enjoy it. I am coming out because he knows I would build on his achievements,” he declared.

Earlier at the Congress held by the party, Mr Cornelius Akintoye emerged as the new state chairman of the party in the state.

In his remarks, the National Secretary of the ZLP, Mr Yahaya Wakama said the party was ready to take over the state from the ruling party, urging the members to work hard to achieve feat.

“Let me remind us however, that the days ahead will be even more demanding and disturbing. The signs of what we should expect are already here, the harassment and economic strangulation are some of the weapons that the ruling party will wield in their attempt to prevent the people’s will.

“But we cannot give up. We must resolve to snatch our state from the jaws of death and the predators whose only desire is to sink the ship of state. We must remain the voices of our people and work for their betterment.

“As we choose our governor today, let us bear this in mind, while he will be our torchbearer, he cannot achieve anything by himself, and he will need us.

“So we must all roll up our sleeves. The journey has begun and the work has started. No one can be a bystander and indeed, no one should be a bystander. We must have all hands on deck. That is the only way we can achieve our desired results,” Wakama said.