THE Accord Party candidate for the Edo State governorship election, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, has officially withdrawn from the race.
He cited the need to focus on national level development.
Iyere, a well-known humanitarian and philanthropist, expressed his desire to leverage his experience to address Nigeria’s growing food insecurity and economic challenges.
He 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.”
This decision followed 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.
Iyere planned to launch his ‘Food4All Initiative’ in October 2024, a programme aimed at creating over 6 million youths and women entrepreneurs through agricultural and social interventions.
He said: “Nigeria will be placed yet again on the pathway of rapid economic recovery.”
He emphasized 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.