Humanitarian activist and coordinator-general of the YEIDEP initiative, Kennedy Iyere, has officially clinched the Accord Party’s senatorial ticket for Edo Central Senatorial District, setting the stage for the 2027 general elections.
Iyere emerged as the party’s consensus candidate during a primary election held Friday in Ubiaja, the headquarters of Esan South-East Local Government Area in Edo State. He ran unopposed as the sole aspirant, with the vote monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials representing the five local government areas that comprise the district: Esan South-East, Esan North-East, Esan Central, Esan West, and Igueben.
Following his nomination, Iyere expressed confidence in his ability to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the senatorial race, describing his political network as a powerful force in Edo’s political landscape.
He pointed to internal party challenges during the 2024 Edo governorship election, where he initially ran before withdrawing amid a dispute with his former deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Bright Enabulele. Iyere alleged that infiltration and disagreements within the Accord Party hindered its performance in that contest.
Despite overtures from other political groups, including the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Iyere said he chose to remain loyal to the Accord Party. He explained that his decision was driven by a commitment to the platform and belief in his grassroots-focused, youth-led movement, which he described as a formidable force in mobilizing voters.
Iyere, known for his role in the “40Million Ballots Movement,” also highlighted his contributions to the Obidient Movement that gained momentum ahead of the 2023 elections. He stated that his Senate bid is motivated by a desire to overhaul legislative representation and promote people-centered governance.
“If the Accord Party hadn’t been infiltrated in 2024, neither the APC nor the PDP could have matched my political strength,” Iyere said. “That experience shaped my decision to run unopposed in the primary. I am confident I will defeat the incumbent and become the next senator for Edo Central.”
He added, “Some advised me to join other parties like the NDC or ADC, but I refused. I’m not a political nomad. God has given me a unique ability for political and social mobilization, and in 2027, I will beat the APC and win this seat. I entered this race to help restore integrity to the federal legislature. It’s time to reclaim it for the people.”
Political analysts suggest Iyere’s emergence could intensify competition in Edo Central as parties gear up for the 2027 elections, with attention likely focused on his grassroots influence and mobilization prowess across the district.
