TheCable

Abbas Mimiko, a medical psychiatrist and brother of Segun Mimiko, former governor of Ondo, has won the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) gubernatorial ticket for the state’s November 16 election.

Segun Mimiko was governor of Ondo from 2009 to 2017. Five years ago, he dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the ZLP. 

Speaking after declaring Abbas as the winner in Akure, the state capital, Yahaya Wakama, the national secretary of the party, said ZLP is ready to take over Ondo from the ruling All Progressives Congress (AP).

“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,” Wakama said.

“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.

“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, attacks 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.”

On his part, Abbas said if elected, he would focus on reengineering the education, health, economy and security sectors of the state.

“We are forced to be reckoned with in this election, we will ensure food security, and within a year of our being in the office, we will have a surplus of food in Ondo state,” he said.

“We will ensure affordable quality education, industrialisation, housing, and free health services for all residents are part of our programmes.”

On whether he has the support of his elder brother, Abbas said “former Governor Mimiko is supporting my ambition. I am happy that I am coming out because he knows I will build on his achievements”.