Kenneth Imansuangbon, popularly known as “Rice Man” and a former Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant in Edo State, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with a large contingent of his supporters. The move, announced in Benin City, is a direct response to what Imansuangbon described as “widespread hunger” and the dire state of Nigeria’s economy.
Why Imansuangbon Left Labour Party
Imansuangbon cited harsh economic realities including the soaring prices of staple foods and a devalued national currency as key reasons for his defection:
- Soaring Food Prices: The cost of a bag of rice, he noted, has risen from ₦7,500 a few years ago to ₦70,000, making his well-known tradition of distributing rice to the poor untenable.
- Currency Devaluation: The naira’s exchange rate has deteriorated from ₦187 to the dollar to ₦1,600 per dollar.
- Fuel Price Spike: Fuel prices have surged from ₦87 per litre to ₦850.
- Rising Unemployment and Poverty: Imansuangbon stressed that starvation, not just hunger, now defines the Nigerian experience.
He lamented that only Nigerians could fix the problem, dispelling hopes of outside intervention and urging citizens to join him in pursuing meaningful change.
ADC as the “Credible Alternative”
Imansuangbon called the ADC a “genuine” alternative to Nigeria’s current political reality, distancing himself from what he deemed the disappointing alternatives offered by established parties. He asserted a commitment to:
- Restoring hope and rescuing Nigeria from hunger and poverty.
- Opening the ADC platform for job-seekers and anyone aiming for a brighter future.
- Leading a movement to reform Edo State and the country for the better.
Party Leadership’s Reaction
ADC Edo State Chairman, Kennedy Odion, warmly welcomed Imansuangbon and highlighted his past service and philanthropic background as assets to the party. Odion emphasized that there will be “no sitting on the fence” ahead of the 2027 elections and expressed confidence that Imansuangbon’s entry would strengthen efforts to achieve “genuine change.”
| Key Issues Highlighted | Imansuangbon’s Commentary |
|---|---|
| Food Inflation | Bag of rice: ₦7,500 → ₦70,000 |
| Currency Devaluation | ₦187/$1 → ₦1,600/$1 |
| Fuel Prices | ₦87/litre → ₦850/litre |
| Poverty & Unemployment | "It is no longer hunger but starvation" |
Imansuangbon’s dramatic switch from LP to ADC reflects growing disillusionment with mainstream political solutions in Nigeria, putting the spotlight on food security and economic hardship as key electoral issues in Edo State and beyond.
