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Abass Mimiko, who was the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate in the most recent Ondo State governorship election and the younger brother of former governor Olusegun Mimiko, discusses Ondo politics, national affairs, democracy and the ZLP’s future with PETER DADA.
Since the 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, the Zenith Labour Party appears to have gone quiet. What is responsible for this?
The ZLP remains fully operational and active, with structures spanning all 18 local government areas and wards in Ondo State. We chose to lower our public profile after the election for strategic reasons. The election taught us that many voters were attracted to our manifesto and believed that our policies on food production, economic empowerment and people‑oriented governance would improve their lives. However, we also learned that a number of voters had accepted as little as N5,000 on election day, later regretting the decision. Some admitted that, despite knowing they were “selling their future,” they felt their single vote would not matter because the outcome seemed predetermined. This experience highlighted that the core challenge is voter education, not merely campaigning. We now focus on informing citizens about the true value of democracy and the impact of each vote. Our message is clear: every vote matters, and people must stop exchanging their votes for short‑term cash. If vote‑buying continues, meaningful development will remain out of reach. During the election we refused to engage in “see and buy” politics because we lacked the funds to distribute and, more importantly, because we consider such practices corrosive to democracy. Our current priority is to educate the electorate and reinforce democratic values while continuing our commitment to the upliftment of Ondo State.
Some groups have gone to court seeking the deregistration of political parties that allegedly failed to meet INEC requirements. Are you worried that the ZLP could be affected?
There is no cause for concern. Political activity is a matter of perception, and our party remains visible and active. Our national chairman regularly comments on national issues and actively defends democracy in Nigeria. We also have elected officials in several states, demonstrating that we are not dormant. Moreover, deregistering a party does not extinguish the ideology, ideas or principles that underpin it. The ZLP is built on its ideology, values and commitment to the people, and we are not under threat of deregistration. We will continue working toward a better Nigeria.
If the party is active, are you already preparing for the 2027 general elections?
Yes. We have aspirants at various levels. While there is currently no governorship election in Ondo State, our focus is on the upcoming National Assembly and State Assembly contests. Many aspirants have already begun acquiring nomination forms, and internal consultations are underway.
How much is your party’s nomination forms?
Our nomination fees are among the lowest in the country. For example, a State House of Assembly form costs N500,000, and the House of Representatives form is only slightly higher. This reflects our social‑democratic ethos: politics should not be reserved for the wealthy. Some major parties set participation costs so high that capable but less‑privileged individuals are excluded. The ZLP believes leadership should be accessible to people of integrity and vision, not merely those with deep pockets. Regarding deregistration, we remain confident. We have elected members in several states, including strong grassroots structures in Abia State, where we have about 21 local government chairmen. Abia is widely regarded as one of the better‑performing states in Nigeria.
With party primaries approaching, can it be said that your doors are open to aggrieved politicians from other parties?
Politics in Nigeria has become increasingly transactional, with many politicians switching parties after failing to secure tickets. At the ZLP, we do not admit members solely for the money or influence they bring. Ideology, integrity and commitment to the people are our primary criteria. Anyone wishing to join must demonstrate their values: genuine concern for the masses, belief in people‑oriented governance, and trustworthiness not to betray the electorate once in power. Our doors are open, but not indiscriminately. We have structures and committees that assess prospective members and aspirants, conduct background checks and evaluate records before granting full admission. We prefer to support a credible aspirant of proven integrity who cannot afford a nomination form rather than hand our platform to a wealthy politician with questionable motives.
What is your view on politicians defecting from one party to another in search of tickets? Do you think there is sincerity in it?
When we were growing up, Nigerian parties were largely driven by ideology. Today that culture has largely vanished. Most defections are motivated by political survival and personal ambition rather than principle. Politicians move to wherever they believe they can secure tickets or win elections. Ideological politics is almost dead in Nigeria, except in a few parties such as the ZLP. Our national chairman is unapologetically ideological, advocating social democracy and governance that prioritises the welfare of the majority. This philosophy is reflected in our policies and structure, including our commitment to women’s inclusion and meaningful female participation in governance. A ZLP‑led administration would embody these commitments. What attracted me to the party is that it is not built around ethnicity or sectional politics. Contemporary Nigerian politics is increasingly tribalised, with voters expected to support candidates solely because they share the same ethnic background—a trend I consider unhealthy for the country. The ZLP believes competence, vision and ideology should outweigh ethnicity or religion. Most political movements today are driven by calculations about the next election cycle rather than genuine principles.
There are fears that Nigeria may gradually become a one‑party state, especially with many governors defecting to the APC. Some critics also accuse President Tinubu of stifling the opposition. What is your view?
A vibrant opposition is essential for a thriving democracy. However, I see no credible evidence that President Bola Tinubu is suppressing opposition politics. Opposition figures continue to speak freely and openly criticize the government; individuals such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso still express their views. Regarding governors defecting to the APC, politics naturally attracts individuals toward perceived success and power. If governors believe the President is performing well and wish to align with him, that is their prerogative. No politician anywhere would reject the opportunity for broader political support if it were offered. If the President were performing poorly, many would likely distance themselves. While concerns about one‑party dominance should not be dismissed, the current situation does not, in my view, constitute a threat to democracy.
With the way you praise President Tinubu, is it correct to say you are still fully committed to the Zenith Labour Party?
I remain a committed member of the ZLP and have been with the party for years. I view political parties as vehicles for governance and service, which explains why I can support President Bola Tinubu despite his APC affiliation. Whenever a leader delivers democratic dividends to the people, he deserves commendation regardless of party. My support for President Tinubu began before he became president, continues now, and will persist in the future.
What exactly has President Tinubu done that impresses you so much?
Several actions stand out. One major step was the unification of the foreign‑exchange market and the floating of the naira. Whether people like it or not, these decisions have boosted investor confidence in the economy. Nigeria is now attracting more foreign and local investment because investors perceive greater transparency in the economic
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