Politics

Edo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Age Falsification Allegations

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 22nd, 2024.

Edo APC Gubernatorial Candidate Faces Age Falsification Allegations

Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial elections, is embroiled in a controversy over alleged age falsification.

Investigations reveal that Okpebholo’s 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Senate nomination form lists his date of birth as March 29, 1970. However, his 2024 INEC governorship nomination affidavit includes three different dates of birth: August 29, 1970 in an age declaration document, August 29, 1972 on his West African Examination Council (WAEC) result, and August 1, 1977 on his INEC voter’s card.

These inconsistencies have raised doubts about the authenticity of his candidacy. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has previously called for a police investigation into the alleged forgery in Okpebholo’s 2024 governorship form.

A senior INEC official, who requested anonymity, expressed surprise at the multiple dates provided by the APC candidate. The official emphasized the Commission’s neutrality but noted that submitting false information could disqualify a candidate if the issue is brought before a court, either before or after the election.

“There is no role for INEC in this matter,” the official stated. “The window for aspirants has closed, but any candidate is free to approach the high court after the elections.”

Attempts to contact Senator Okpebholo for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

These allegations have intensified the political tension in the Edo State gubernatorial race, with the PDP calling for a comprehensive investigation into the age falsification claims.