Bar. Kenneth Imansuangbon, who contested as a governorship aspirant for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2020 Edo State elections, made a significant move on Wednesday as he officially joined the Labour Party (LP) in preparation for the upcoming Edo 2024 governorship election.
Fondly referred to as Riceman, Imansuangbon expressed his thoughts to reporters shortly after receiving his membership card at the LP secretariat in Benin.
The decision to defect from the PDP and embrace the Labour Party marks a significant shift in his political journey as he looks forward to the upcoming governorship race in Edo State.
He made a resolute pledge to face any political opposition or obstacle that may arise in the pursuit of his political aspirations for the upcoming governorship election in the state.
He noted that the period of godfatherism was over, adding that the time has come for the ordinary people to decide who will succeed Gov. Godwin Obaseki in 2024.
“I have been on this sojourn to govern Edo State for the past 20 years. I pray that LP will get it right, and if they do get it right and give me the ticket, it will mean game over for the godfathers”.
“Edo men are the finest species created by God. Now that my eyes are opened, I have decided to take my case in 2024 to God Almighty and to the Edo people”.
“I do not want to put my case in the hands of godfathers anymore”.
”I am tired of the oppression of godfathers. I am tired of the pain of godfathers. I am tired of the godfathers’ deception and tricks”.
“I want to take my faith and my destiny and put them into God’s hands as well as the hands of the people of Edo State”.
“With God and the Edo people, my 2024 is sure. So, I am not bothered by what the godfathers are planning. I am bothered by where they have failed us in the past”.
“I am bothered about the resolution of the people. The people will be on my side; and if the people are on my side, God will be on my side,” he said.
According to him, “I have decided to go to the people’s party, which is the Labour Party and the obedient family. Let the people decide”.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Andrew Emwanta, the former Edo State commissioner for information, and Mrs. Amen Uhumwangho-Ogbemudia were among those who also received LP membership cards.
Welcoming the defectors, the state LP chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, encouraged them to actively contribute to the party’s success in the state.
