Nigeria – Kennedy Iyere Withdraws from Edo Governorship Race

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

Kennedy Iyere, the Accord Party governorship candidate in Edo State, has announced his withdrawal from the Edo gubernatorial race, stating that his focus is no longer on becoming governor but on pursuing a higher national role.

Speaking on Friday, Iyere expressed his desire to serve Nigerians at large, beyond the limitations of a governorship position.

“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. I want to help rebuild Nigeria’s lost economic greatness,” Iyere stated.

He also revealed that internal challenges within the Accord Party in Edo State contributed to his decision to pursue a federal role. “When I saw the plots displayed by Enabulele and some leaders of the Accord Party at the state level, then I knew it was time for me to embrace a higher calling,” he added.

Iyere highlighted his current contributions at the federal level, assisting the government in designing social intervention programs aimed at addressing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship among youth and women. He stated that these initiatives, set to launch in October 2024, would target sectors such as agriculture, technology, and entertainment to create opportunities for over six million youth and women entrepreneurs within the first year.

“Our intervention program will enhance opportunities for youth entrepreneurship engagement in multiple sectors,” he said, emphasizing the role of these efforts in Nigeria’s economic recovery.

The Accord Party candidate stressed that his programs would address the critical issue of access to capital for entrepreneurs, helping Nigerian youths and women start or expand their businesses, thereby promoting wealth creation and poverty alleviation.