One of the younger brothers to Dr Olusegun Mimiko, a former governor of Ondo state, Abbas Mimiko on Wednesday emerged the gubernatorial candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
The emergence of the ZLP candidate is in preparation for the scheduled November 16 governorship election in the state.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had also conducted its primary at the weekend, where the incumbent governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerged the flagbeater.
At ZLP guber primary, Abass, a medical doctor, emerged through affirmation by members of the party, during the primary election held at the party’s Secretariat in Akure, the state capital.
In his acceptance speech, Abbas promised to focus more on education, health, economy and security of the state if elected as the next governor of Ondo State.
According to him: ” 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 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.”
Abbas, who revealed that he enjoyed the blessings and support of his brother, Olusegun Mimiko, expresses his readiness to take over the state in the next election.
He said: “Former governor Mimiko said he had no doubt if Abass becomes the governor of the state, everyone will enjoy. My brother is happy that I am coming out because he knows I would build on his achievements.”
Abass further stated that: “The signs of what we should expect are already here, the harassments, attacks and economic strangulation are some of the weapons that the ruling party will wielded 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 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 can achieve our desired results.”
Earlier, before the primary, the party held a state congress where Mr Cornelius Akintoye emerged the new state chairman of ZLP 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 in order to achieve this.
“Let me remind us however that the days ahead will be even more demanding and disturbing,” he stated.
