Iyere Withdraws From 2024 Edo Gubernatorial Race, Urges Support for Edo Central Candidate
Comrade Kennedy Iyere, Nigeria’s renowned humanitarian, philanthropist, and social entrepreneur has officially withdrawn from the 2024 Edo gubernatorial race, where he was a candidate representing the Accord Party. Iyere, known for his dedication to national development, cited a broader mission to serve Nigeria’s federal government, particularly in addressing the country’s worsening food crisis, as the reason for his decision.
Iyere explained that his withdrawal was driven by his growing responsibilities in tackling urgent national issues, including food poverty and economic hardship, which have affected millions of Nigerians. He highlighted his leadership in the multi-billion-dollar “Food4All Initiative,” a comprehensive food security program designed to alleviate hunger and create mass employment opportunities for youth and women. The initiative was recently presented to President Bola Tinubu as a strategic measure to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Through the “One-Family-One-Farmer Scheme,” Iyere aims to empower smallholder family farmers, particularly targeting youth and women, to address food insecurity while boosting the economy.
Despite facing significant challenges during his campaign, including a bid by his former running mate, Bright Enabulele, to sabotage his candidacy, Iyere emerged undeterred. Enabulele, who had aligned with the Edo State Accord Party chairman and other political actors, sponsored protests aimed at discrediting Iyere. Enabulele continues to claim himself as the Accord Party’s gubernatorial candidate, although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal confirms his role as Deputy Governorship Candidate. Enabulele had been absent from Nigeria for 15 years and was not present during the Accord Party’s primary election, which Iyere fully funded.
“I have chosen to step aside from the gubernatorial race to focus on serving Nigeria at a higher level,” Iyere said. “My involvement in national development initiatives, particularly in restoring economic stability, is crucial at this time. Being confined to the governorship seat would limit my capacity to effect the kind of change I envision. The actions of Enabulele and certain Accord Party leaders only reinforced my decision to contribute more meaningfully at the federal level.”
As he steps away from the governorship race, Iyere has called on Edo voters to support a candidate from the Edo Central Senatorial Zone, emphasizing the need for equitable representation in the state’s political leadership.
