Ex-Edo LP governorship aspirant Imasuagbon picks ADC membership card

Kenneth Imasuagbon, a former governorship aspirant under the Labour Party in the 2024 Edo election, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a new political direction.

He was received into the party on Wednesday in Benin, alongside his loyal supporters, where he also picked up his membership card.

Imasuagbon, popularly known as the ‘Rice Man’ for his consistent food donations to the less privileged during festive seasons, has a long history of political ambition, having previously contested for governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, now the APC.

He lost the Labour Party ticket last year to Olumide Akpata.

While addressing the press, Imasuagbon expressed disappointment in the Labour Party, describing it as a failed vehicle for change.

He declared that the ADC aligns with his personal values and concern for the masses.

“The African Democratic Congress is the only alternative political party that will rescue Nigeria from its current pitiable state. I thought the Labour Party would be a rescuer, but it turned out to be a sham,” he said.

He further explained, “I have found a credible alternative.”

“One that is concerned about the ordinary Nigerian, the Okada rider, the widow, the student. This is a party that wants to reduce food prices and uplift the common man. That party is ADC.”

Imasuagbon lamented the dire state of the economy, stating he can no longer afford to distribute rice to the poor as he once did, citing the price increase from ₦7,500 to over ₦100,000 per bag.

“I’m tired. I can’t even buy fuel anymore. It used to be ₦65 per litre, now it’s almost ₦1,000. Nigerians are tired. Our graduates can’t get jobs. I am not satisfied with the poverty in the land,” he said.

He called on fellow Nigerians to rally behind the ADC, promising to lead the movement to rescue Edo and Nigeria from worsening economic conditions.

Welcoming him, the ADC chairman in Edo State, Kennedy Odion, described Imasuagbon as a man of the people and commended his decision to join the party.

Odion stated that the ADC was a moving train and a platform for all patriotic Nigerians committed to rescuing the country.

He assured that although the journey might be rough, the rescue mission would become a reality and hinted that more prominent Nigerians would soon join the party.