By Damilare Adeleye
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed a circulating a ‘fake Magistrate court ruling purportedly disqualifying Senator Monday Okpebholo, its governorship candidate, from Edo State election.
Describing the ruling as fake, fabrication and an act of pure desperation by the purveyors, the APC added that the Magistrate Courts that purportedly issued the has issued a disclaimer stating categorically that the fake ruling did not emanate from that court.
Understandably, Edo state gubernatorial election is scheduled to be held tomorrow Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In a statement issued on Friday evening, Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, said, “The FAKE NEWS meant to sow seeds of doubt about the APC candidate is a blatant and calculated attempt to subvert the will of the Edo electorate and must be thoroughly rejected by the good and discerning people of Edo State.
“This illegal and underhand tactic of the parties involved constitutes a despicable attack on our electoral democracy. We call on our law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate and bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice.
“We urge voters in Edo State to remain vigilant and resolute in the exercise of their democratic rights at tomorrow’s polls. We trust that the Edo people will reject this and other illegal devices by desperate candidates and their parties to subvert this important election.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo is, and remains, the standard bearer of the APC in tomorrow’s Edo State Gubernatorial Election.”
Similarly, the magistrate court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has disowned the purported verdict.
The disclaimer, signed by His Worship Abubakar Mukhtar, Magistrate of Court, noted that no judgment has been delivered in this Court and no verdict has been reached in the case against the APC flag-bearer.
“IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the general public be informed that the story circulating regarding the purported disqualification of Senator Monday Okpebholo from the Edo State Governorship Election due to age falsification and forgery is entirely FALSE and MISLEADING.
“NO JUDGMENT has been delivered in this Court today, and no verdict has been reached in the above-mentioned case.
“The allegations of age falsification and forgery against Okpebholo are currently under investigation, and the defendant was summoned to appear before this Court. The matter remains pending.
“Pursuant to Section 133 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, spreading false information is punishable by imprisonment. This will be invoke on the writer and publisher of the fake judgement,” the disclaimer read.
