The latest political news now in Edo State is that, Kennedy Iyere, the Accord Party’s governorship candidate for the 2024 Edo Gubernatorial election, has officially withdrawn just hours before the polls. Iyere’s decision is rooted in his desire to address Nigeria’s broader social and economic challenges, particularly the growing food crisis.
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In a statement, Iyere emphasized his commitment to tackling national issues, including his proposed ‘Food4All Initiative,’ aimed at ensuring food security and creating mass employment for youths and women through the “One-Family-One-Farmer Scheme.” This program, according to Iyere, would significantly boost the agricultural sector and help alleviate unemployment in Nigeria. His initiative, which he shared with President Bola Tinubu, is projected to create six million jobs within its first year.
However, Iyere also cited internal party issues as a key reason for his withdrawal. He pointed to a conspiracy within his own party, involving his running mate, Bright Enabulele, whom he accused of undermining his candidacy. This, he said, further pushed him toward a larger national focus rather than state-level politics.
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Advantages of Iyere’s Decision:
- Broader National Impact: By stepping away from the governorship race, Iyere could focus on his larger goal of national development, particularly his ‘Food4All Initiative,’ which promises to have a far-reaching impact across the country.
- Targeted Social Solutions: His focus on youth entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation through agriculture and technology could address Nigeria’s unemployment crisis, potentially helping millions.
- Collaboration with the Federal Government: Iyere’s alignment with the Federal Government may provide the necessary backing and resources to effectively implement his ambitious initiatives.
Disadvantages of Iyere’s Withdrawal:
- Sudden Leadership Vacuum: His withdrawal at such a late stage leaves the Accord Party without a viable candidate, potentially weakening the party’s influence in the upcoming elections.
- Unresolved Party Conflicts: The internal issues Iyere mentioned highlight deeper challenges within the Accord Party, which could affect its performance and credibility moving forward.
- Local Leadership Impact: While his national ambitions may have a broader impact, Edo State loses a candidate with significant plans for local development, particularly in addressing food security and power distribution issues within the state.
Despite the challenges, Iyere has called on Edo State voters to remain peaceful and vote their conscience, stressing the importance of equity and fairness in the distribution of political power across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Looking ahead, Iyere reaffirmed his dedication to national service, stating that he would focus on developing a comprehensive economic roadmap for the inclusion and empowerment of Nigerian youths. His social intervention programs, aimed at deradicalizing and engaging the youth, are set to launch in October 2024
