Labour Party Downplays Exit of Former Governorship Aspirant
The Labour Party in Edo State has brushed off the resignation of its former governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imasuagbon, describing him as an uncommitted party member. He tendered his resignation in a letter 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 resignation letter, Imasuagbon criticized the Labour Party, citing internal challenges and poor leadership. However, the party’s Publicity Secretary in Edo State, Sam Uruopa, sees Imasuagbon’s departure as a non-issue.
“We’re not surprised he left the party,” Uruopa said. “He came, but it didn’t work out. He should have stayed and built the party, not abandoned ship.” Imasuagbon had lost the governorship ticket of the LP to Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, in the build-up to the 2024 governorship election.
Imasuagbon had taken the party to court over the conduct of the primary election that produced Akpata, but his case was dismissed at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Imasuagbon has accused the party of deviating from its core values and principles, and operating like a commercial entity. He believes that the current leadership is not committed to serving the people and has encouraged him to dissociate himself from the party.
He also accused the party of imposing candidates and disregarding party rules and regulations. “I’m announcing my resignation from the Labour Party,” he said. “After consulting with my supporters, I’ve decided to leave. The party is not ready to enthrone purposeful leadership, and internal squabbles are creating a toxic environment.”
In his resignation letter, Imasuagbon lamented the party’s poor leadership, ineffective management, and lack of vision, and claimed that many notable leaders who founded the party have left. He believes that the party has failed to provide a meaningful alternative to the nation’s politicians.
