Mr. Kennedy Iyere, the governorship candidate for the Accord Party, has officially withdrawn from the 2024 Edo Gubernatorial election. His decision stems from a desire to serve Nigeria at a higher level, leveraging his expertise to tackle pressing social and economic challenges, particularly the food and hunger crisis.
In a statement, Iyere highlighted his previous proposal, the “Food4All Initiative,” which he presented to President Bola Tinubu. This multi-billion dollar food intervention program aims to achieve food security and create mass employment for youth and women through the “One-Family-One-Farmer Scheme.”
Reasons for Withdrawal
Iyere cited internal party conflicts as a significant factor influencing his decision. He reported a conspiracy involving his running mate, Bright Enabulele, who allegedly sought to undermine his candidacy. Despite this setback, Iyere urged voters in Edo State to prioritize peaceful elections and vote according to their conscience, advocating for equitable power rotation among the three Senatorial Districts.
Focus on National Development
Shifting his focus from the governorship seat, Iyere expressed a desire to contribute to national development by assisting the federal government in creating a roadmap for economic inclusion, youth engagement, and deradicalization through social intervention programs. He emphasized his commitment to public service over partisan politics.
“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,” Iyere stated. He aims to help restore Nigeria’s economic greatness, indicating that serving as Governor would limit his impact.
Upcoming Initiatives
Iyere announced plans for various social intervention programs aimed at mitigating unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship among youth and women. He anticipates these programs will officially launch in October 2024, with the goal of creating over six million youth and women entrepreneurs within the first year.
“Our intervention programs will enhance opportunities for youth entrepreneurship engagement in multiple sectors, especially agriculture, technology, and innovation,” he noted, emphasizing the critical need for access to business capital for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Iyere’s withdrawal from the race marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Edo State, as he aims to contribute more broadly to Nigeria’s development and recovery efforts.