Dr. Abass Mimiko, the governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the last governorship election in Ondo State, has expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. In an interview, Mimiko stated that Tinubu deserves a second term in office, citing the country's economic situation when he took over power. He noted that Nigeria was on the brink of collapse economically, with high debt, insecurity, and subsidy consumption of trillions of Naira.
According to Mimiko, when Tinubu took over from President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria was in serious debt and had lost credibility globally. The country was spending 98 percent of its earnings to service debts, with no budget for subsidy. The previous administration had accumulated over N22 trillion in extra-budget spending. Mimiko argued that Tinubu's efforts have prevented the country's collapse and splintering.
Mimiko compared the current situation to being starved for six days with a gun to one's head, versus being starved for three days without the gun. He emphasized that the counterfactual scenario would have led to Nigeria's collapse. Tinubu removed subsidy on day one, saving over N15 trillion. Mimiko questioned where the money goes, highlighting inflation and expensive food prices.
Despite indices showing things have not taken shape in three years, Mimiko believes Tinubu can fix Nigeria. Allocation to states under Tinubu is over 400 percent higher, with a state that used to get N10 billion now getting N50 billion. Mimiko noted that it's not the president's responsibility to dictate how states spend their allocations.
Mimiko discussed his plan to float a coalition, "One Love Coalition", to support Tinubu's re-election. The coalition aims to bring people together, regardless of party affiliation, to work towards a higher place for Nigeria. Mimiko stated that people love Tinubu more than they love APC, and the coalition seeks to represent a broader support base.
The "One Love Coalition" platform will start in Ondo State and spread to the southwest. Mimiko emphasized the need for a Nigeria with enough freedom for regions, where people can develop their talents without being encumbered. He sees Tinubu as a person who can birth this process of restructuring.
Mimiko concluded that the coalition wants a president and a nation where people can harness their God-given resources and contribute to the centre. He believes this can be achieved under Tinubu's leadership, rather than continuing to pretend and risking Nigeria's splintering into a massive war.
Key points
- Dr. Abass Mimiko supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid, citing his efforts to prevent Nigeria's economic collapse.
- Mimiko proposes a "One Love Coalition" to support Tinubu's re-election and promote national unity.
- The coalition aims to allow regions to develop their talents and resources, contributing to a more unified Nigeria.
