“If APC and PDP are wise they should stop Imansuangbon at the primary in clinching the LP ticket because Edo people are waiting to reward his years of philanthropic gesture,” this was the view of the National Chairman of Democractic Watch of Nigeria (DWN), Isaac Ehigiamusoe, which conducted a poll star on the much awaited 2024 governorship poll in Edo State.
The independent opinion which was recently conducted by the DWN ahead of the build up to the primaries of various political parties in the 2024 governorship poll in Edo State indicated that Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon(aka The Riceman), an aspirant of the Labour Part (LP), stand a better chance to defeat candidates that will be produced by the nation’s other political parties if he secures his party’s ticket.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have alternated between them the governance of the state since advent of the present democracy in 1999.
However, the DWN report warned that to brighten their chance in the 2024 election and put up a formidable front, the two major parties (APC and PDP) must put their house in order.
The report noted that failure to address their crisis, APC and PDP will not only be humiliated in the poll, but will find it difficult to recover from the defeat should the LP emerge victorious.
The four page research and investigation report also warned the LP not to gamble or trade with the party’s ticket but should be circumspect in fielding a candidate with political capital and the financial war chest to wrestle power from the two dominant parties.
The Independent report which was presented to the National Chairman of DWN, Isaac Ehigiamusoe, however expressed worry at the large number of aspirants from Edo Central Senatorial District and therefore called for streamlining the number to boost their chances.
Portion of the report reads, “Obaseki is seen as a traitor and nobody trusts him. APC and PDP are coins of the same side. LP is inexperienced, and for the party to capitalize on the Obi’s factor, it must have an Obi’s exemplar, a candidate that is loved, and in our own estimation, Imasuagbon, popularly called ‘The Riceman’ fits in here.
“If they don’t, then the battle will be a direct fight between APC and the PDP. If the LP settles for Imansuangbon on account of his acceptability, experience, spread and street credibility, nobody can defeat him at the poll come 2024.
“Labour Party must not make the mistake of gambling with their ticket. If they don’t give it to ‘The Riceman’ they can then forget Edo 2024 governorship.
“For the PDP, they must put their house in order and Obaseki must unite the party quickly and get Dan Orbih’s legacy group on board. If not, it will be difficult for the ruling PDP.
“AS for the APC, they also need to go into the election united. A lot needs to be done for the party’s cohesion in Edo South senatorial district. Some of its key leaders are working at cross –purpose, relying mainly on the backing of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and President Bola Tinubu to deploy federal might to do the magic for them.
“But, how that will play out on the ground against a popular Imansuangbon, only time shall tell. However, any attempt to manipulate the election will be resisted by the people who are clamouring for change.
“If APC and PDP are wise they should stop Imansuangbon at the primary in clinching the LP ticket because Edo people are waiting to reward his years of philanthropic gesture.”
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