A Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant in the Edo State September 21 gubernatorial election, Kenneth Imansuangbon, has announced his resignation from the party.

Imansuangbon, who had been a member of both PDP and APC, in his letter of resignation addressed to the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, and copied his ward 2 chairman in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, said he can no longer belong to the fold of the party as it has continued to be bogged down by intractable division and lack of internal democracy.

He explained that the party has deviated from its core values and principles and can no longer offer a purposeful and credible alternative to the Nigerian people.

Besides, he said those in charge of the party ran it like a ‘commercial entity’, adding that the developments in the party clearly show that the LP cannot be said to be the party that truly represents 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 disassociate himself from the confusion and high-handedness of those in charge. He also accused the party of imposition and clear disregard for party rules and regulations in a press statement.

“Having consulted widely among my teeming supporters across the state, it is only expedient for me and my followers to resign from the party.

“It is quite clear that the LP has not learnt any lessons and it is very obvious that it is not ready to enthrone purposeful leadership at all levels. What we have witnessed in the party is intra-party squabbles and power struggles creating a toxic environment, 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 party have left,” Imansuangbon said.

THE SUN