Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, the House of Representatives member for Esan North East/South East, has reportedly withdrawn from the Edo Central Senatorial by-election, reshaping the political landscape.
Okojie, who is married to Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson, confirmed his decision in an interview with The Whistler on Monday. His candidacy initially arose following the vacancy left by Senator Monday Okpebholo’s resignation to run for Edo governor. However, after consultations, Okojie chose to step aside.
He cited the latest directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which bars sitting officeholders from contesting mid-term elections.
He also pointed to the high financial burden these elections place on both INEC and political parties, stressing the overall costliness of Nigeria’s electoral process. According to The Whistler, the APC lawmaker emphasized these reasons as key factors in his decision to withdraw.
“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.”