Hon. Paul Okojie

The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State has elected Hon. Paul Okojie as its flagbearer for the upcoming by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District.

Okojie was affirmed as the party’s candidate through a voice vote conducted by accredited delegates during a selection exercise ahead of the August National Assembly by-election. The senatorial seat became vacant following the emergence of Monday Okpebholo as governor of Edo State.

In his post-nomination remarks, Okojie expressed confidence in his chances, vowing to defeat his opponents from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“I am expecting victory at the polls,” he said. “We will go to the grassroots and talk to them. The people will decide who will be the next senator in Edo Central.”

He criticised past representatives of the district, claiming they failed to speak up for their constituents in the National Assembly.

“For some years now, you rarely hear a voice from Edo Central in the Senate. There is no federal presence here, and somebody needs to take that responsibility. I believe I am the one with the capacity to do that,” Okojie said.

He dismissed the influence of established parties in the region, asserting that the Labour Party had grassroots support.

“I do not see the APC or PDP as formidable. The best candidate should be the one to go. I am serious about defeating them. I don’t have any godfather, but I have the people backing me,” he declared.

The by-election is expected to draw close attention as the three major parties jostle for dominance in Edo Central.