Mercy Johnson's Husband Pulls Out of Edo Senatorial By-Election, Citing INEC Rules and Cost

 

Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, the House of Representatives member and husband of Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson, has withdrawn from the upcoming Edo Central Senatorial by-election, significantly altering the political dynamics of the race.

Okojie, representing Esan North East/South East, confirmed his withdrawal in an interview with The Whistler, citing recent directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the substantial financial implications of the election.

His initial candidacy stemmed from the vacancy created by Senator Monday Okpebholo, who resigned to pursue the Edo governorship. However, after extensive consultations, Okojie decided against proceeding with the senatorial bid.

A key factor in his decision was INEC's recent regulation barring sitting officeholders from contesting mid-term elections. He also pointed to the considerable financial burden associated with such elections, both for INEC and political parties, emphasizing the high cost of electoral processes in Nigeria.

"I’m doing this because of my people," Okojie told The Whistler. "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."

He continued, "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."

Okojie stressed that his primary focus remains serving his constituents in his current role as a member of the House of Representatives. "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. I’m still in the office. I’m a member of the Federal House of Representatives," he concluded.

His withdrawal has now thrown the Edo Central Senatorial by-election into a new phase, with political observers speculating on the potential impact on the remaining candidates.