A Pro Democracy group, Edo Rights Vanguard has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and Inspector-General of Police, Egbetokun to investigate allegations of perjury and Dual Citizenship levelled against Edo Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Olumide Akpata and Deputy-Governorship Candidate, Mrs Oluyinka Alufokhai

Recently, a major online Newspaper, Sahara Reporters had exclusively reported that Olumide Akpata swore an Oath of Allegiance to Vanuatu – a small island country with a population of about 350,000 people. He was also alleged to have acquired the passport and citizenship of the South Pacific Ocean Nation.


The report further revealed official Documents showing that the Labour Party Deputy-Governorship Candidate, Mrs Oluyinka Alufokhai submitted fake information under oath to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the September 21st 2024 Elections in Edo State. The information seen on her form EC09 as submitted to INEC shows that she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) on 1981, the same year she was born.

In a Statement made available to newsmen by the group converners, Ambrose Osifo and Uyi Ikhator in Benin City, the group stated that it was imperative for INEC and the Police to investigate the allegations as it bothered on Eligibility issues and Perjury, which is a criminal offence

"As a non-partisan and non-profit Organisation, dedicated to the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity as necessary ingredients to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process, we use this medium to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission.(INEC) and Nigeria Police to use its good offices to order an immediate investigation into the said particulars submitted by the Labour Party Candidates.

Perjury, in Nigerian law, is a serious offense punishable under Section 118 of the Criminal Code Act. It involves knowingly making false statements while under oath or affirmation, either in court or in any official documents. Perjury undermines the integrity of the judicial system and our Political system." The Statement reads.


They further maintained that integrity is crucial for those seeking public office because it forms the foundation of trust between elected officials and the public they serve. Without integrity, it's challenging to make ethical decisions, uphold promises, and maintain transparency in governance.


The group also noted that investigations have become necessary given the allegations and seething controversy that trailed the Labour Party primaries in Edo State with allegations that the process was nothing short of a bazaar where the ticket was simply traded off to the highest bidder.

It is thus imperative that these allegations are thoroughly investigated and criminal prosecutions initiated where necessary.

The group also noted that investigations have become necessary given the allegations and seething controversy that trailed the Labour Party primaries in Edo State with allegations that the process was nothing short of a bazaar where the ticket was simply traded off to the highest bidder.

Afamed:
Just like their Patron Judas Iscariot who claimed to have attended all the Universities in the world but ended presenting Agulu secondary school certificate to INec.

Nothing new, they learn it from their senior Gbajue

Iykopee:
Thièfnubu's group.

REPORTS REACHING US DETAILS PDP THUGS UNLEASHING BLOODSHED IN BRAZEN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON OLUMIDE AKPATA, LABOUR PARTY'S GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE*

Chaos and bloodshed marked what should have been a peaceful event on the grounds of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) today. An interactive session, award, and investiture ceremony by the UNIBEN Senior Staff Club, featuring Labour Party gubernatorial candidate Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, was violently disrupted when a group of armed thugs masquerading as students stormed the premises under the pretext that their permission was not sought.

The shocking attack unfolded at the Professor Godwin Oshodin pavilion, where Akpata, an alumnus of UNIBEN, was seated and prepared to engage with staff members. Without warning, the thugs masquerading as students, brandishing an array of deadly weapons, including firearms, cudgels, and knives, invaded the venue in an attempt to assassinate the gubernatorial candidate.

*"It was absolutely terrifying," recalled one attendee who is a member of the club and spoke on condition of anonymity. "One moment we were eagerly awaiting Akpata's remarks, and the next, these vicious thugs were among us, weapons in hand. It was clear they intended to carry out an assassination. I have been a member of this staff club for almost 30 years, and I have never seen anything like this."*

Akpata's life was spared only by the swift intervention of security personnel, who reportedly enabled his narrow escape from the melee. However, the violence left one senior UNIBEN lecturer brutally assaulted and currently clinging to life at a local hospital.

The bloodshed contrasts starkly with a recent incident-free event involving the People's Democratic Party's (PDP) candidate in the same UNIBEN staff club, fueling allegations that the PDP orchestrated the attack. Multiple witnesses claim the thugs were PDP hirelings tasked with eliminating the increasingly popular Akpata.

Allegations are swirling that the PDP orchestrated the attack. Multiple eyewitnesses have come forward claiming the thugs were hired by the party to eliminate Akpata, whose surging popularity is viewed as a major threat to the PDP's ambitions in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections.

"The evidence points directly to the PDP's involvement," said one source. "These weren't random students; they were organised and determined, and they clearly had specific orders to take out Olumide Akpata."

Further fueling these allegations, eyewitness accounts describe the thugs attempting to trap Akpata on the university grounds, and when that failed, they attempted to waylay him and trap him on the Ugbowo-Lagos road. They blocked both the entrance to the UNIBEN Staff Club as well as a portion of the nearby Ugbowo Lagos road before Akpata was able to break through their blockade with the aid of security forces, who calmed the issue down and made sure no life was lost.

For the residents of Benin City and the broader Edo State, today's events have cast an ominous pall over the coming electoral contest, with people wondering what Akpata has done to have such an obvious target placed on his back.

elvisco10:
All Dis yaya group.only Wen dere is election u see dem ..see bad road full Edo..orna nor talk....d two issues has been solved in last election.. Tinubu fake certificate.lagos DPT governor dual citizen 😂😂

GabHarrincot:
Nigeria will rise again... Obidients, let's just remain positive

Slytiger:

More like Asue Akintunde Ighodalo's group.

Wasn't Olumide also attacked by PDP thugs last night.