Prince Joe Okojie has clinched the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the upcoming Edo Central Senatorial District by-election, scheduled for 16 August 2025.
The former Edo State Commissioner emerged victorious in a tightly contested primary election held on Monday, 21 July, at the Ubiaja Township Hall in Esan South East Local Government Area.
Okojie secured 84 votes, defeating two prominent challengers — John Yakubu, a former chairman of Esan North-East Local Government, who garnered 52 votes, and Hon. Friday Itulah, a former House of Representatives member, who polled 21 votes. A total of 157 accredited delegates cast their votes, with no invalid ballots recorded, underscoring the transparency of the exercise.
The peaceful and well-organised primary was supervised by the PDP electoral panel and monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), earning praise from observers and party faithful alike.
In his acceptance speech, Okojie expressed gratitude to the delegates and party leadership for entrusting him with the mandate, promising to bring effective representation to the people of Edo Central if elected.
“This victory is not mine alone — it belongs to every member of our great party. I am committed to upholding the values of the PDP and to ensuring our district continues to benefit from quality leadership and inclusive development,” Okojie declared.
The atmosphere at the venue was electric, with chants and songs of solidarity echoing as supporters celebrated Okojie’s emergence.
Political analysts suggest that the PDP’s united front and experienced candidate may give the party a strong advantage as it prepares to defend the seat in what is expected to be a keenly contested senatorial by-election.
The Edo Central seat became vacant, prompting INEC to schedule a by-election alongside others across the country.
With the primary concluded, the PDP now sets its sights on the campaign trail, aiming to retain the district and reaffirm its foothold in Edo Central politics.
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