The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a statement condemning the deceptive actions of Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
In the statement signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, it is revealed that Okpebholo presented falsified and conflicting birth records to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This revelation follows earlier accusations that Okpebholo also submitted a forged INEC voter’s card because his record never existed in the commission’s portal. The PDP further noted that these actions highlight the APC’s tendency to engage in deceitful practices.
The statement read in part;
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says that the latest revelation that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship Candidate, Monday Okpebholo allegedly presented falsified and conflicting birth records to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further confirms APC’s duplicitous agenda towards the people of Edo State.
“This reported presentation of falsified birth documents coming on the heels of earlier revelation of submission of forged INEC voter card by the APC governorship candidate only points to the reprehensible and deep-seated inclination of the APC to cheat.
“Such alleged criminal tendencies if allowed in governance will destroy ethical standards, entrench mediocrity, institutionalize fraud and deception as official policies of State to the detriment of the development and wellbeing of the people of Edo State.
“It is however not surprising that the APC nominated and sponsored a governorship candidate with questionable credentials as such is consistent with the APC’s established inclination and acceptance of lies, falsehood and deception.
“This apparently informs why the APC has not issued a denial or any explanation since the news of the submission of forged INEC voter card and falsified birth documents by its candidate to INEC. Instead, the APC is reportedly trying to manipulate INEC to compromise its data, having realized that its candidate, Monday Okpebholo is basically disqualified and unelectable.”
According to the PDP, the APC’s choice of candidate constitutes a significant self-inflicted error with dire consequences.
“It is practically the end of the road for the APC being stuck with a disqualified candidate; the import of 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 being that any vote cast for APC in the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election would be a void vote.
“APC’s choice of Monday Okpebholo as its Governorship candidate is a self-inflicted injury with irredeemable consequences which the APC must accept by immediately withdrawing from the race.”
The PDP called on the Police to immediately invite the APC candidate for questioning and investigation over the alleged submission of fake documents to INEC especially given the widespread demand by the people of Edo State for the prosecution of the APC candidate.
“The PDP calls on the Police to immediately invite the APC candidate for questioning and investigation over the alleged submission of fake documents to INEC especially given the widespread demand by the people of Edo State for the prosecution of the APC candidate.
“Such police action will be a welcome development so as to strengthen the credibility of our nation’s democratic practice and the Principle of Rule of Law in our country.”
The PDP also commended the people of Edo State for their vigilance and support for their candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who they say represents the vision and aspirations of the people.
“Our Party commends the people of Edo State for their alertness as well as unalloyed solidarity and support for the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo who embodies the vision, aspiration and Will of the people in their determination to sustain and strengthen good governance and development in Edo State on the platform of the PDP.”