Mimiko on Thursday announced his decision to withdraw from the race at a meeting with some ZLP national leaders and members of the party from all the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo state.
The former Ondo state governor ascribed his decision to overwhelming calls to quit the presidential contest as it had been narrowed to a race between Atiku and Buhari.
Mimiko said at the meeting that he would now be running as the candidate of the ZLP for Ondo Central Senatorial District in next year’s election.
“I took the decision in the ultimate interest of our party, the Zenith Labour Party, Ondo state and the country,” he said.
The name of Gboye Adegbenro, former Commissioner for Works in the Mimiko administration, had earlier been sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the ZLP standard bearer for the senatorial district.
Adegbenro has also announced his withdrawal from the senatorial contest.
He said in a statement yesterday that he decided to bow out of the race in the interest of the party and the state.
He said: “It has become imperative that I bring to a close my aspiration to represent Ondo Central Senatorial District at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at this critical juncture.
“Having consulted far and wide with my family, business associates, followers and constituents, it has become important to bow out before the full race commences in the interest of our great party, the Zenith Labour Party and our dear state.
“More than the above, I am convinced that the candidacy of our leader, the former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, will better serve the interest of the district now and the overall goal of the south west.
“I am eternally grateful to my constituents, followers and party leaders who have been with us all through the processes that culminated into taking this decision and renew my commitment and unalloyed dedication to the Zenith Labour Party.
“I remain a firm believer and supporter of my brother and leader, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, who invited me into partisan politics and who has always provided selfless leadership.”
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