Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has been summoned by an Abuja Magistrate Court to answer charges of forgery and perjury. The allegations were brought forth by Chief Honesty Aginbatse, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who identified inconsistencies in the birth dates on documents Okpebholo submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Senator Okpebholo is scheduled to appear in court on September 20. The charges stem from discrepancies among the birth dates listed in various documents. His 2023 Senate nomination form states his birth date as March 29, 1970, while his 2024 governorship nomination forms show different dates: August 29, 1970, on an age declaration, August 29, 1972, on his WAEC certificate, and August 1, 1977, on his INEC voter’s card.

The case has triggered demands for a thorough investigation into potential forgery. According to Section 182.1(d) of the Nigerian Constitution, any conviction for dishonesty or fraud could disqualify an individual from holding gubernatorial office, raising questions about Okpebholo’s eligibility if the allegations are confirmed.

An INEC official, while refraining from commenting on the specifics of the case, noted that false statements on official documents could lead to disqualification if proven in court. INEC has remained neutral on the controversy.

Chief Aginbatse emphasized that accountability must prevail, asserting, “Edo State cannot afford to have individuals with questionable integrity in public office. Sen. Okpebholo must explain why he presented four different birth dates under oath. The APC also owes Edo citizens an explanation for endorsing such a candidate.”