The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as its gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Edo State election, dismissing allegations of disqualification by a magistrate court as false.
In a statement issued in Abuja, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka clarified the party's stance, citing the need to counter "desperate" fake news and disinformation spread by opposing parties.
Morka denounced the circulation of a purported magistrate court ruling disqualifying Okpebholo, labeling it "fake, fabricated, and an act of pure desperation" in the face of imminent electoral defeat. He revealed that the magistrate court in question had issued a disclaimer, distancing itself from the false ruling.
The APC spokesperson condemned this attempt to sow doubt about Okpebholo's candidacy as a "blatant and calculated effort to subvert the will of the Edo electorate." He urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of this falsehood.
Morka exhorted Edo voters to remain vigilant and resolute in exercising their democratic rights, expressing confidence that they would disregard such tactics by desperate candidates and parties seeking to undermine the election.
Reiterating the party's stance, Morka declared, "Sen. Monday Okpebholo is and remains the standard bearer of the APC in the Edo gubernatorial election." This reassurance comes on the eve of the September 21 election, as the APC seeks to reaffirm its legitimacy and credibility in the face of opposition misinformation.