Comrade Kennedy Iyere, the candidate representing the Accord Party for the governorship of Edo State, has officially withdrawn from the electoral contest.
This information is emerging just a few hours prior to the gubernatorial election. Iyere stated that he is resigning to contribute to tackling the broader social and economic challenges confronting the nation, especially the increasing levels of food insecurity and economic hardship affecting numerous Nigerians.
Iyere faced challenges during his campaign as Bright Enabulele, his running mate, along with other party members, attempted to undermine his credibility.
Enabulele has inaccurately portrayed himself as the party’s nominee for governor, despite governmental records indicating a different reality.
On Saturday, September 21, eligible voters in Edo State will select the individual who will take over from the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, as he completes his eight-year term on November 12, 2024.
Asue Ighodalo from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party are among the prominent candidates in the current political landscape.
In his statement, Iyere indicated that his attention has shifted away from the governorship. He seeks to support the federal government in tackling critical national challenges, including unemployment and economic growth.
The appeal was made to voters in Edo State to endorse a candidate from the Edo Central Senatorial District, emphasising the need for equitable power rotation following a 24-year period of anticipation.
Iyere emphasized that the motivation behind his ongoing federal initiatives is an altruistic desire to help the country deal with its current social and economic challenges.
He stated, “My attention has shifted away from the governorship position and is now directed towards a more significant and expansive role than that of a governor.” My objective is to provide services to the broader Nigerian population rather than focussing solely on the Edo indigenes. I aim to contribute to the restoration of Nigeria’s former economic prominence.
“Assuming the role of governor will inherently impose constraints on my capabilities.” Upon observing the visual data presented by Enabulele and various leaders of the Accord Party at the state level, it became evident that I needed to elevate my engagement to the federal level, where I am currently making significant contributions to national development.
“I am collaborating with the federal government to develop a strategic framework for the economic inclusion, engagement, self-emancipation, and deradicalisation of youth. This involves designing and implementing social intervention programs aimed at reducing unemployment and improving entrepreneurial opportunities for youth and women, ultimately fostering mass self-employment, wealth creation, and poverty alleviation.”
“These programmes are set to commence in October 2024, positioning Nigeria once more on a trajectory towards swift economic recovery.” The intervention programs are designed to optimise opportunities for youth engagement in entrepreneurship across various sectors, with a particular focus on agriculture, food and beverage, technology, entertainment, innovation, and creativity.
“An estimated six million youth and women entrepreneurs (as MSME owners and operators) are projected to be generated within the first year following the official launch of this entrepreneurship programme.” Nigerian youths and women face significant barriers in accessing the necessary capital to either launch new ventures or sustain existing enterprises. This programme will directly target that critical requirement.