‘He Joined Labour Party Because Of Governorship Ticket’

The Labour Party in Edo State has downplayed the resignation of its former governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imasuagbon, describing him as not a committed party member.

Imasuagbon tendered his resignation via a letter addressed to the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, with a copy sent to his Ward 2 chairman in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

In his letter, the former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the Labour Party, citing its internal challenges.

However, in an exclusive interview with Punch, the Labour Party’s Publicity Secretary in Edo State, Sam Uruopa, dismissed Imasuagbon’s departure, asserting that it would not impact the party.

Uruopa said, “We are not surprised that he left the party. He came in search of the governorship ticket but it didn’t work. The advice is for all genuine party men to stay behind and build the party.”

Imansuagbon lost the governorship ticket of the LP to a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, in the build-up to the 2024 governorship election in which the party came a distant third.

Not satisfied with the conduct of the primary election that produced Akpata, Imasuagbon took the matter to court. Still, his case was dismissed at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State and the Appeal Court.

Speaking on his exit from the LP, Imasuagbon said the party had deviated from its core values and principles and could no longer offer a purposeful and credible alternative to the Nigerian people.

He said those in charge of the party ran it like a “commercial entity,” adding that the development clearly showed that the LP could not truly represent the interest of the “mama, papa, pikin slogan.”

He said as a Nigerian and Edo State citizen who has contributed to building a generation of leaders over the last 25 years and helped the needy through his philanthropic activities, the time has come for him to dissociate himself from the confusion and high-handedness of those in charge at the party.

He also accused the party of imposition and disregarding party rules and regulations.

“I am using this medium to announce my resignation from the Labour Party. Having consulted widely with my teaming supporters across the state, it is only expedient for me and my followers to make this decision.

“It is quite clear that the LP has not learnt any lesson and very obvious that it is not ready to enthrone purposeful leadership at all levels.

“Intra-party squabble and power struggle are creating a toxic environment and making it difficult for members to remain committed to the party.

“What we have witnessed as far as I am concerned is poor leadership and ineffective management, lack of vision and autocratic decision-making.

“If you take a critical look at the party today, you will discover that many notable leaders who founded the LP have left the political party,” he said.