Dr Abass Mimiko, the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election, has rejected allegations that President Bola Tinubu is behind the turmoil rocking opposition parties in Nigeria. He described such claims as baseless, emphasizing that the president should not be blamed for internal weaknesses within the opposition.
Defections Driven by Conviction, Not Coercion
Speaking with journalists at his Ondo residence, Mimiko, a psychiatrist and younger brother of former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, stated that governors and political actors defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are doing so out of conviction and political calculation, not coercion. He argued that Tinubu's democratic credentials remain unmatched, recalling his role in supporting legal and political battles that restored opposition victories in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Edo states.
One-Party State Fears Dismissed
Mimiko dismissed fears that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, pointing out that opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso remain active in national discourse. He stressed that the country's political landscape remains vibrant and competitive.
Economic Policies Praised
The ZLP chieftain praised Tinubu's economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, stating that these measures have stabilized fiscal parameters and boosted confidence in the economy. He urged Nigerians to assess the state of the nation before Tinubu took office, noting that over 95% of earnings were used for debt servicing.
“If a man digs you out of a 5,000-metre hole and gets you to where you can see sunlight again, the honest question is not whether life is immediately perfect but whether you would even still be standing without that intervention,” Mimiko said.
Security and Decentralized Policing
Mimiko advocated for decentralized policing as the most practical solution to Nigeria's security challenges. He called for empowering communities to police themselves through properly trained state and local security structures.
Ondo State Infrastructure Deficit
While acknowledging the state government's efforts on the proposed seaport and bitumen development, Mimiko lamented the infrastructure and social services deficits in Ondo State, given the increased federal allocations. He noted that states receiving less than N10 billion monthly now get close to N40 billion, yet citizens have not seen proportional improvements in healthcare, education, and social services.
“The percentage increase in what states now receive is multiple times the percentage increase in fuel prices. Nigerians should be asking their governors what they are doing with these resources,” he added.
ZLP Remains Vibrant
Mimiko dismissed fears of the ZLP being deregistered, stating that the party remains vibrant across Ondo State and beyond, currently focusing on voter education. He expressed concern over vote-buying during elections but insisted the party is committed to democratic processes.
