Our reporter
Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon, a prominent Edo State politician and former governorship aspirant, has formally resigned from the Labour Party (LP). Imansuangbon, widely known as the “Riceman” for his philanthropic rice distributions across the State, announced his decision in a resignation letter addressed to the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, and copied to his ward chairman in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area.
Imansuangbon, who had previously been a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the Labour Party for what he described as deep divisions, lack of internal democracy, and a departure from its founding values.
“The Labour Party has become a shadow of its promise,” he said in a press statement accompanying his resignation. “The party’s leadership has reduced it to a commercial enterprise, eroding the core principles that once made it a credible alternative for Nigerians.”
Imansuangbon accused the LP leadership of authoritarian decision-making, imposition of candidates, and a failure to provide a cohesive vision for the party’s future. He added that the internal strife and power struggles within the party had created a “toxic environment” that undermined its ability to deliver meaningful leadership.
Highlighting his decades of philanthropic and leadership contributions, Imansuangbon noted that his decision to leave the LP was taken after wide consultations with his supporters.
“The Labour Party no longer represents the interests of ordinary Nigerians—the ‘mama, papa, pikin’ slogan is now nothing but a façade,” he stated. “It’s time to move on from the confusion and disregard for democratic principles that define the party today.”
The resignation comes after Imansuangbon lost the LP governorship ticket to Olumide Akpata, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, during the build-up to the 2024 Edo governorship election. The election saw the Labour Party trailing in third place.
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