BARELY five days to the Edo State Senatorial and House of representatives by-elections, the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial election, Joe Okojie has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to be professional ahead of the election.
This call was made as the party’s candidate embarked on campaigns in the district.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with traditional rulers in Igueben on Sunday, Okojie urged the INEC to be professional to guarantee a free and fair election.
He said his priority would be to urge the Federal Government to fix federal roads in the senatorial district which, he said, are in bad shape.
Okojie said, “I am pretty confident that the PDP will prevail. If I am not sure that we can beat our opposition, I will not be in the race. I think my chances are pretty high.
“I will win all five local government areas that make up the constituency and INEC has no choice but to do the right thing. I am confident that they will do the needful
“People often misconstrue what legislative duties are about, however, I reckon that when you are in the senate, you will be able to put a thing or two in the budget and there are quite a number projects that I have highlighted that I think needs immediate attention.
He reiterated his focus on road infrastructure as well as setting up skill acquisition centres.
He added, “If you look at our senatorial district all the federal roads need attention, I am campaigning through the length and breadth of Esan land I realise that it is virtually impossible to move from point A to point B so my first assignment will be to see how I can prevail on the federal ministry of works to pay attention to these roads and see what it can do to alleviate the sufferings of my people.
“I am disposed to setting up skills acquisition centres so that people can learn skills.”
Also speaking, the state chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi said the party was optimistic that INEC and security agencies would perform better than the 2024 governorship election in the state.
He added, “There are laws that govern elections, the Electoral Act guides everybody and the security agencies are supposed to be impartial. It didn’t happen in 2024, that was why the party called for the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
“However, we are getting prepared for this election, we are more than ready for this election and we are calling on the INEC and the security agencies to play their parts.
“The average Nigerian citizen pays their salaries and not the APC so they should be as impartial and unbiased as they possibly be as that is the only way they can restore the confidence of the people.”
