Honourable Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, the House of Representatives member representing Esan North East/South East and husband of Mercy Johnson, has reportedly withdrawn from the Edo Central Senatorial by-election, reshaping the political landscape of the contest.
Okojie, who is married to the Nollywood actress, confirmed his decision in an interview with The Whistler on Monday.
Initially, his candidacy emerged following the vacancy left by Senator Monday Okpebholo, who resigned to pursue the Edo governorship race. However, after thorough consultations, Okojie opted out of the election.
He cited the latest directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which prohibits sitting officeholders from contesting mid-term elections.
Additionally, he highlighted the significant financial burden such elections impose on both INEC and political parties, drawing attention to the overall high cost of Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to The Whistler, the APC lawmaker emphasized these factors as key reasons for his withdrawal;
“I’m doing this because of my people, The reason why I even ventured to run for this election was because of the vacancy that was created when the now governor won the election and became the governor of Edo State.
“So, I felt that the good plans that I have for my constituents, and the entire Esan people should enjoy it. So, that was why I decided to contest
“Looking at the way it is going, after due consultation, and with the recent pronouncement from INEC saying that political parties shouldn’t be fielding candidates who are already in office, [I decided to withdraw].
“Also, the complaint about the huge finances required to prosecute elections, I decided to leave it. My interest in politics is not borne out of negative voices.
“Representing my people has always taken pre-eminence in my political career and that is why I’m doing this for my people. As I said, it wasn’t my personal idea to even have to run for any political office,” he said, adding “I’m still in the office. I’m a member of the Federal House of Representatives.”
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