By Mercy Akuba
…Says It’s Uromi’s Turn to Produce a Senator, Presents Party Flag to Paul Omo Okojie
UROMI – The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abure, has officially flagged off the party’s senatorial bye-election campaign in Uromi, urging the people of Edo Central to rally behind the party’s candidate, Hon. Paul Omo Okojie, in the upcoming August 16 election.
Speaking at the well-attended campaign launch, Barr. Abure emphasized that Uromi deserves the opportunity to produce the next senator for Edo Central, noting that other local government areas in the district have already taken their turns.
“It is now Uromi’s turn to occupy the Senate seat. The other LGAs have had their share. We must give Uromi the chance, and the best person to lead this cause is Hon. Paul Omo Okojie,” Abure stated.
The Labour Party Chairman highlighted the uniqueness of the party’s candidate, describing Hon. Okojie as a youth, a vibrant voice, and a courageous leader capable of articulating the aspirations of the people of Edo Central.
He also charged party members and supporters to return to their wards and LGAs to galvanize support for the Labour Party ahead of the bye-election.
“We have only one authentic candidate for this election and he is Paul Omo Okojie. Security agencies must apprehend anyone impersonating our candidate. The Labour Party will not tolerate such illegality,” he warned.
Okojie: “I’m in the Race to Win and Serve”
In his address, Hon. Paul Omo Okojie made it clear that he is not in the contest to step down for any politician but to win and serve the people of Edo Central, who, he said, have long been denied true democratic dividends.
“I am not just in the race to add to the numbers. Whenever I drive through Edo Central, I weep because of how underrepresented we are. We need someone who can speak and be heard. I am offering myself to you, and I promise never to disappoint,” he declared.
He praised the enthusiastic turnout at the flag-off event, describing it as a morale booster to campaign even more vigorously.
Okojie called on voters to reject moneybag politicians who show up during elections with stipends and disappear afterward, urging the people to seize this chance to vote for genuine change.
“This is the moment to speak loudly. Say no to deceptive politicians. Say yes to progress,” he said.
He further promised to attract an agro-research institute to Edo Central to boost agricultural value chains, and listed primary healthcare, education, and the establishment of a technology hub as key components of his legislative priorities.
Earlier in the event, the Deputy Chairman of the Labour Party in Edo State, Dr. Nekerton Franklin, called on supporters to remain resolute, warning against defections driven by personal gain.
“Those who are defecting to the ruling party have shown that their loyalty was only to their stomachs. But you, the faithful, will be rewarded. Better days are coming,” Franklin assured.
He encouraged members to be worthy ambassadors of the party and resist all forms of inducement.
Also speaking, the Labour Party LGA Secretary, Hon. Osas Eromosele, urged party leaders to remain united and loyal as the bye-election draws closer.
“The party under Barr. Julius Abure has survived storms and betrayals to remain the voice of the masses. This is our chance to prove our strength. If we turn out in large numbers, Hon. Paul Okojie will win,” Eromosele said.
The high point of the campaign flag-off was the official presentation of the Labour Party flag to Hon. Paul Omo Okojie by the National Chairman, symbolizing his endorsement and formal recognition as the party’s senatorial candidate.
The event witnessed the presence of top party stakeholders, including the LGA Party Chairman, Senatorial Women Leader, ward leaders, youth coordinators, and several other party faithful.