In a desperate move to sway public opinion ahead of the Edo State Gubernatorial Election scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 21, 2024, certain political parties have resorted to forgery, disinformation, and blackmail. A fake Magistrate Court ruling has been circulated, falsely claiming the disqualification of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate.
In a statement signed by Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, the party firmly denounced the circulating document as “a fabrication and an act of pure desperation” aimed at deceiving the electorate on the eve of the election. The statement clarified that the purported ruling did not originate from any Magistrate Court, with the court in question issuing a disclaimer, categorically disowning the fake ruling.
“The circulated ruling is fake, a fabrication, and a desperate attempt by our opponents to manipulate the public,” Morka said. “This illegal tactic is not just an attack on the APC and Senator Okpebholo but an assault on Edo State’s democratic process. It’s a blatant attempt to subvert the will of the electorate and should be rejected outright by all good and discerning citizens of the state.”
Morka further emphasized that the actions of those behind this fake ruling are a direct threat to Nigeria’s electoral integrity. He called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly identify and prosecute the perpetrators of this malicious disinformation campaign. According to the APC, such actions must not go unpunished if the nation’s democracy is to be safeguarded.
“This illegal and underhand tactic of the parties involved constitutes a despicable attack on our electoral democracy,” the statement continued. “We call on our law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate, and bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice.”
In the face of this, Morka urged voters to remain vigilant and resolute in exercising their democratic rights at the polls. He stressed that Edo citizens must not be swayed by disinformation or fear tactics. “We trust that the people of Edo will reject this and other illegal devices by desperate candidates and their parties to subvert this important election,” he added.
The APC reiterated its confidence in Senator Monday Okpebholo’s candidacy, stating unequivocally that he remains the party’s standard-bearer in the election. “Senator Monday Okpebholo is, and remains, the standard bearer of the APC in tomorrow’s Edo State Gubernatorial Election,” Morka affirmed.
The disinformation surrounding the ruling comes at a time when tensions are high, with various political parties vying for control of Edo State. The APC’s strong warning reflects its commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that voters are not misled by falsehoods in the final hours before the election.
As the clock ticks down to the election, the APC has appealed to its supporters and the general public to focus on the issues that matter—accountability, development, and good governance—rather than be distracted by the last-minute ploys of those determined to subvert the will of the people.
“The electorate’s vigilance and commitment to the truth will be the ultimate safeguard for democracy in Edo State,” Morka concluded, reaffirming the party’s belief that despite these malicious efforts, the people’s choice will prevail at the polls.
IN THE MAGISTRATE COURT OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA
CORAM: HIS WORSHIP ABUBAKAR MUKHTAR
DISCLAIMER NOTICE
CASE NO.: CR/WZ2/816/2024
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.
Sign
HIS WORSHIP ABUBAKAR MUKHTAR
Magistrate, Magistrate Court
