ABASS Mimiko, the younger brother of former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, has emerged as the Zenith Labour Party’s (ZLP) candidate for the state’s governorship election on November 16.
Abass Mimiko, a medical practitioner, emerged as the candidate through affirmation in the party’s primary election held yesterday at the ZLP secretariat in Akure, the state capital.
Mimiko stated after his emergence that if elected governor, he will prioritize education, health, the economy, and state security.
“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, industrialisation, housing, free health services for all residents are part of our programmes,” he said.
When questioned if former Governor Mimiko supports his desire despite the fact that they are members of different political parties, Abbas stated that his brother has thrown his weight behind him in his bid to become the state’s next governor.
“Former Governor Mimiko said he had no doubt if Abass becomes the governor of the state that everyone will enjoy. My brother is happy that I am coming out because he knows I would build on his achievements,” he declared.
In his remarks, the National Secretary of the ZLP Yahaya Wakama said the party was ready to take over the state from the ruling party, urging the members to work hard to achieve this.
Wakama said: “As we choose our governor today let us bear this in mind, while he will be our torchbearer, he cannot achieve anything by himself, 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.”
The party also held its state congress during which Cornelius Akintoye emerged as the new state chairman of the party in the state.