Edo Election: Monday Okpebholo Still in Contest – APC Refutes Disqualification Claims

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted claims that its candidate in the upcoming Edo State governorship election, Monday Okpebholo, was disqualified by a Magistrate Court.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that report had circulated alleging that Magistrate Abubakar Mukhtar of the Abuja Magistrate Court disqualified Okpebholo over accusations of age falsification and forgery.

In a statement released on Friday by the APC’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, the party labeled the supposed court ruling as fake, attributing it to rival political parties attempting to spread false information ahead of the election.

The APC emphasised that Okpebholo remains an active candidate and encouraged the people of Edo State to vote without fear or intimidation in Saturday’s election.

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The party also included a disclaimer from Magistrate Mukhtar, who clarified that the case is still ongoing and no ruling has been made.

The APC’s statement, titled “FAKE NEWS ALERT – SOME PARTIES CIRCULATING FAKE MAGISTRATE COURT RULING AGAINST APC EDO GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, SENATOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO – PLEASE DISREGARD,” reads:

“As the Edo State Gubernatorial Election approaches on Saturday, September 21, 2024, certain political parties, facing imminent defeat, have resorted to circulating a fabricated Magistrate Court ruling that falsely claims Senator Monday Okpebholo, our candidate, has been disqualified.

“This ruling is entirely fake, a desperate fabrication. The court has issued a disclaimer confirming that no such ruling exists.

“The spread of this false information is a blatant attempt to undermine the confidence of Edo voters in the APC candidate. We urge the electorate to reject these illegal tactics and exercise their democratic rights without hesitation.

“We also call on law enforcement agencies to investigate and hold those responsible for this malicious disinformation accountable.

“Senator Monday Okpebholo remains the legitimate APC candidate in tomorrow’s Edo State Gubernatorial Election.”

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Attached to the statement was a formal notice from the court, clarifying the situation:

IN THE MAGISTRATE COURT OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

CORAM: HIS WORSHIP ABUBAKAR MUKHTAR
CASE NO.: CR/WZ2/816/2024
DISCLAIMER NOTICE

“It is hereby declared that the circulating story about the disqualification of Senator Monday Okpebholo from the Edo

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