Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a stunning turn of events, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dealt a decisive blow to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, by revealing irrefutable evidence of electoral fraud.
Truth Live News gathered from an official press release by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, dated July 12, 2024, that the APC candidate has been exposed as ineligible to contest the upcoming September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election.
The crux of the matter revolves around the discovery that Sen. Okpebholo allegedly submitted a fake voter card along with his Form EC9 to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This revelation not only tarnishes the credibility of the APC but also undermines the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
“Fake Voter Card: APC, Okpebholo No Longer in Edo Guber Race- PDP,” the headline boldly declares, encapsulating the PDP’s firm stance on the issue. According to the press statement, checks on the INEC Portal confirm that the APC candidate’s voter card is blurred and unreadable, suggesting a deliberate attempt to deceive both the electoral body and the electorate.
“It is indeed scandalous that the APC sponsored a candidate with alleged questionable documents,” the PDP asserts, highlighting the severity of the deception orchestrated by the APC leadership. The statement condemns this act of impunity as an affront to the people of Edo State and an egregious violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Underpinning their argument with legal precision, the PDP cited specific constitutional provisions and electoral laws that unequivocally disqualify Sen. Okpebholo from contesting. Section 182 (1)(j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 114 (g) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act collectively reinforce the party’s assertion that the APC’s campaign in Edo State is futile and legally untenable.
Moreover, the PDP raised serious concerns about alleged attempts by APC leaders to manipulate INEC officials into fabricating voter registration data to salvage Sen. Okpebholo’s candidacy. This, they caution, would undermine the integrity of the electoral process and betray public trust.
In light of these revelations, the PDP unequivocally called for the immediate withdrawal of Sen. Monday Okpebholo and the APC from the gubernatorial race. “The APC and its candidate should therefore immediately withdraw from the race as they cannot legally participate in this election,” the statement demands, urging INEC to uphold the sanctity of electoral integrity.
Looking ahead, the PDP urged the people of Edo State to remain vigilant and united in ensuring that justice prevails. They reaffirmed their support for Dr. Asue Ighodalo, their candidate for the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, as the rightful choice to lead the state forward.
The PDP’s press release serves as a much needed scathing indictment of the APC’s integrity and electoral ethics. It underscores the critical importance of transparency and adherence to the rule of law in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions against fraudulent practices.
As Edo state braces for yet another crucial electoral contest, the revelations from Edo State serve as a stark reminder of the enduring need for accountability and ethical leadership in Nigerian politics.