₦airaland Forum

Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the 2024 Edo State elections, is facing fresh allegations of age falsification.

According to investigations, the date of birth stated on Okpebholo's 2023 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Senate nomination form is March 29, 1970, which differs from the multiple dates of birth he had previously provided in his 2024 INEC governorship nomination affidavit.

In the 2024 governorship form, Okpebholo had listed 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.

The discrepancies in Okpebholo's stated dates of birth have raised serious questions about the legitimacy of his candidacy. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had previously called for a criminal investigation by the police into the initial allegations of forgery in his 2024 governorship form.

A senior INEC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed shock at the multiplicity of dates provided by the APC candidate. The official, however, reiterated the Commission's position of neutrality, stating that the discrepancies and submission of false certificates and statements could hypothetically disqualify a candidate if the matter is brought before a court, either pre-election or post-election.

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

Attempts to reach Senator Okpebholo for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

The latest revelations have further intensified the political drama surrounding the Edo State gubernatorial race, with the PDP calling for a thorough investigation into the age falsification allegations.