The declaration follows a report by SaharaReporters during the week that Okpebholo allegedly presented a fake voter's card when submitting his Form EC9 to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asserted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, are effectively out of the running for the Edo State Governorship election slated for September 21, 2024.
The declaration follows a report by SaharaReporters during the week that Okpebholo allegedly presented a fake voter's card when submitting his Form EC9 to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a press statement signed by Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, on Friday, July 12 the party condemned what it termed a "self-inflicted blow" by the APC.
According to the statement, the discovery of the purportedly forged voter card not only disqualifies Okpebholo but also undermines the credibility of the APC's candidacy in a state known for its stringent electoral standards.
"It is scandalous that the APC would sponsor a candidate with allegedly questionable documents for such a significant election," Ologunagba stated.
"The submission of a blurred and unreadable voter card, now revealed to be fake, is an insult to the integrity of Edo State's electorate and our democratic process."
The PDP pointed to constitutional and electoral laws which, it claims, clearly prohibit candidates with falsified documents from contesting public office.
"Under Section 182 (1)(j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and other relevant statutes, Okpebholo and the APC are ineligible to participate," the statement affirmed.
Furthermore, the PDP cautioned against alleged attempts by some APC leaders to influence INEC officials to manipulate voter registration data in favor of Okpebholo.
"We urge INEC to uphold its integrity and resist any pressure to compromise," the statement continued.
"The evidence on the INEC Portal is clear: Okpebholo is not a registered voter."
Concluding the statement, the PDP called for the immediate withdrawal of Okpebholo and the APC from the gubernatorial race.
"Any vote cast for the APC on September 21 will be null and void," Ologunagba emphasised.
"We urge the people of Edo State to remain vigilant and ensure their democratic will prevails with the election of Dr. Asue Ighodalo.”