2027: Why I will support Tinubu’s re-election – Mimiko

In a significant political endorsement, Dr. Abbas Mimiko, the 2024 governorship candidate for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Ondo State, has publicly declared his intention to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. This declaration, made to journalists in Akure, signals a potential shift or alignment within the political landscape, emphasizing performance and bold policy decisions as key criteria for leadership.

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Tinubu chose to do the painful but necessary thing. All those who came before him knew subsidy was unsustainable but lacked the courage to remove it.

Mimiko's rationale centers on President Tinubu's "courageous leadership" in implementing the removal of the fuel subsidy. He described this move as a difficult but necessary reform that previous administrations shied away from due to political expediency. While acknowledging the hardship the subsidy removal imposed on citizens, Mimiko argued that it was essential for addressing long-standing economic distortions. This perspective highlights a segment of political opinion in Nigeria that prioritizes fiscal discipline and reform, even at the cost of short-term public discomfort.

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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.

Furthermore, Mimiko challenged Nigerians to scrutinize the fiscal responsibilities of state governments, suggesting that the increased federal allocations resulting from the subsidy removal should be more tangibly felt at the grassroots level. He pointed out that the percentage increase in funds received by states far exceeds the rise in fuel prices, questioning the current impact on citizens' daily lives. This call for accountability from state governors adds another layer to the discourse on economic management and resource allocation within Nigeria, moving beyond the federal level to encompass sub-national governance.

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People conveniently forget his sacrifices for democracy because he is now president.

From a Nigerian perspective, this endorsement is noteworthy. It comes from a politician within a different party, underscoring a pragmatic approach to politics where support is based on perceived performance rather than strict party affiliation. Mimiko's statement, "I am in the ZLP and will remain there, but parties are just a vehicle," reflects a view that governance and leadership qualities can transcend party lines. His assertion that "one good term deserves another" based on performance suggests a focus on continuity and effective administration, a sentiment that resonates in a nation constantly seeking stable and impactful governance.

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I am in the ZLP and will remain there, but parties are just a vehicle. That is why I can support the President despite being in a different party.