Mercy Johnson’s hubby reportedly pulls out of Edo Central Senatorial race; source reveals why

• Prince Okojie, a sitting lawmaker in the House of Representatives who once boldly declared his senatorial ambition, is now reportedly stepping away from the race.
• In a recent interview, he is said to have unveiled the real reasons behind his change of course, offered a candid glimpse into what led him to abandon his pursuit of the Senate seat.

Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, the House of Representatives member for Esan North East/South East, has reportedly pulled out of the Edo Central Senatorial by-election, a move that shifts the political dynamics of the race.

The hubby to Nollywood star Mercy Johnson, as claimed, confirmed the withdrawal in an interview with The Whistler on Monday.

Initially drawn into the contest by the vacuum left after Senator Monday Okpebholo’s resignation to clinch the Edo governorship ticket, Okojie stepped aside after what he describes as “extensive consultations.”

Okojie purportedly pointed to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) latest pronouncement restricting sitting officeholders from contesting mid-term elections.

Beyond that, he acknowledged the staggering financial demands such elections place on both INEC and political parties, hinted at a broader issue of Nigeria’s costly electoral process.

The APC lawmaker, according to THE WHISTLER, said in parts;

“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.”