Edo 2024: Another Gov’ship Candidate Withdraws For APC Candidate
BARELY twenty-four hours to the governorship election in Edo State, the candidate of the Accord Party, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, has announced his withdrawal from the race.
His withdrawal is coming three days after the candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), Prince Tom Iseghhi-Okojie also withdrew from the race. In announcing his withdrawal, Prince Iseghhi-Okojie urged his supporters to cast their lot with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Meanwhile, Comrade Iyere, in announcing his decision, cited the need to focus on national-level development.
A well-known humanitarian and philanthropist, Iyere expressed his desire to leverage his experience to address Nigeria’s growing food insecurity and economic challenges.
Comrade Iyere noted that serving as governor would limit his broader ambitions for Nigeria.
“My focus is no longer on the governorship seat but on a higher and bigger portfolio than a Governor. I want to serve Nigerians at large and not just Edo indigenes,” he stated
This decision follows internal party disputes, including a reported conspiracy involving his running mate, Bright Enabulele, to challenge his candidacy. Despite these challenges, Iyere urged Edo voters to shun violence and vote with their conscience.
Looking forward, Iyere plans to launch his ‘Food4All Initiative’ in October 2024, a programme aimed at creating over six million youth and women entrepreneurs through agricultural and social interventions.
“Nigeria will be placed yet again on the pathway of rapid economic recovery,” he said, emphasizing that the initiative will foster self-employment, wealth creation, and poverty alleviation across multiple sectors.
The programme promises to address unemployment and empower underserved communities, driving entrepreneurship across the nation.