As the Edo Central Senatorial bye-election approaches, tension is rising between the Labour Party(LP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with strong accusations emerging from the camp of LP candidate, Hon. Paul Omo Okojie.
The campaign organization of Hon. Okojie has raised serious concerns over what it describes as “subtle and glaring attempts” by INEC to undermine the party’s chances in the August 16 election. These concerns include reported irregularities in the release of voter registers, lack of adequate voter sensitization, and the alleged selective recognition of candidates and INEC claims of the omission of LP from the ballot.
According to a statement released by the campaign’s Media Director, Isaac Olamikan, the actions of INEC threaten the integrity of the election and risk compromising the confidence of the people in the electoral process.
“The Labour Party remains the most formidable and people-oriented political movement in Edo Central,” the statement read.
“Our candidate, Hon. Paul Omo Okojie, was duly elected through a transparent primary process and has received the Certificate of Return(CoR) from the national leadership of our party.”
The campaign expressed concern over what it described as “backdoor dealings and the accommodation of impostors,” referencing recent incidents where individuals allegedly attempted to falsely claim LP’s candidacy.
“These distractions are being tolerated by some within INEC, and we will not sit idle while the will of the people is tampered with,” the campaign warned.
The Paul Okojie Campaign Organisation has also called on security agencies to ensure the safety of voters, election officials, and candidates during the entire process. More importantly, the campaign organization urged the people of Edo Central to remain alert and defend their mandate peacefully but firmly.
The call for transparency comes amid growing support for Hon. Paul Omo Okojie, especially from youth and grassroots communities in Uromi, Irrua, and surrounding areas. Many see him as a new face in Edo politics — one not tied to the traditional political machinery.
“We are confident that no amount of intimidation or scheming can stop the will of the people. Edo Central is ready for a new era of accountable representation,” the statement concluded.
With just over a week until the crucial vote, all eyes will be on INEC to see if it can deliver a free, fair, and credible election — one that reflects the true will of the people of Edo Central.
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