Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2024 Edo State election, is embroiled in a fresh scandal over age falsification.
Documents submitted to Nigeria’s Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) reveal inconsistencies in the lawmaker’s date of birth.
Okpebholo’s 2023 Senate nomination form lists his birth date as March 29, 1970.
However, his 2024 INEC governorship nomination forms present three different dates: August 29, 1970, in an age declaration document; August 29, 1972, on his West African Examination Council (WAEC) result; and August 1, 1977, on his INEC voter card.
These discrepancies have cast doubt on Okpebholo’s legitimacy as a candidate.
According to a SaharaReporters’ report published on July 10, 2024, Okpebholo might not be registered to vote in Edo State, despite submitting a voter card allegedly from Esan West Local Government Area.
INEC’s website verification failed to confirm his registration.
Okpebholo, who was inaugurated as a Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District on June 13, 2023, won the APC governorship primary on February 23, 2024.
In his Form EC9 affidavit, sworn on March 5, 2024, and published by INEC, Okpebholo declared his birth date as August 29, 1970, in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.
Following the SaharaReporters’ expose, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called for a criminal investigation into the alleged forgery in his 2024 governorship form.
A senior INEC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed shock at the conflicting dates but emphasized the Commission’s neutrality.
The official noted that discrepancies and false statements could disqualify a candidate if challenged in court.
“There is no role for INEC in this matter,” the official said. “The window for aspirants has closed, but any candidate is free to approach the high court after the elections.”
