The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State has elected Hon Paul Okojie as its candidate for next month’s by-election to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly.
Okojie, who is contesting to represent Edo Central senatorial district, was affirmed as the party’s candidate in a voice vote by delegates.
The seat was previously occupied by Governor Monday Okpeholo.
Speaking shortly after he was elected, Okojie said he expected to be victorious at the poll.
Okojie said he would defeat the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said Edo Central yearned for a good representative in the Senate.
His words: “I am expecting victory at the polls. We will go to the grassroots and talk to them. The people will decide who will be the next Senator in Edo Central.
“My first item as a Senator is to change the narrative in Edo Central. There has been no voice. We have had people represent us at the Senate and they have been practically speechless. We need someone who should be able to stand up and speak for the people of Edo Central because we are known for standing up to make our demands.
“For some years now, you really hear a voice from Edo Central speaking in the Senate. There is no federal presence there and somebody needs to take that responsibility and I feel I am the one who has the capacity to do that.
“I do not see the APC or PDP as formidable. The only thing we know is that the best candidate should be the on to one to go. I am serious about defeating them. I have my people and they are with me. As far as my people are with me, I am not rattled. I don’t have any godfather but I have the people backing me.”