11/07/2024
Huge Expectations Hover Around Edo State As Voter Card Forgery Case Against Asue Ighodalo For Hearing Today
If you reside in Benin City or follow the Edo social media space, you would indeed concur that the expectations surrounding the resumed court hearing at a Federal High Court against the alleged forged INEC voter card by the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Barr Asue Ighodalo, are at fever pitch.
The court case, brought forward by the former Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, and the former APC state chairman, Anselm Ojezua, against Ighodalo’s alleged forgery, has everyone eagerly anticipating the outcome. The criminal charges and moral burden on the PDP candidate are substantial enough to potentially erase his name from the ballot box come September 21.
Facing criminal charges, Ighodalo is also entangled in controversy regarding the delegate list used in his purported primaries. A Federal High Court has ruled that his election is faulty, adding to the already heavy cloud of suspicion and disrepute hanging over the PDP candidate. This situation presents a significant moral burden not only on Ighodalo but also on the PDP and the state governor, Godwin Obaseki. Obaseki has been accused of opening the state vault to finance Ighodalo’s campaign, with petitions even being written to the EFCC to investigate the state government and Ighodalo.
The PDP, in a state of disarray, faces an uncertain fate. In a desperate attempt to divert attention, they launched a propaganda campaign claiming that the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo, has a forged voter card. This narrative was disseminated through various media sources, including the notoriously unreliable Sahara Reporters.
As the hearing resumes today, the people of Edo state watch closely, with the future of the PDP campaign and Ighodalo’s political career hanging in the balance. The outcome of this case could significantly alter the political landscape of Edo State, raising serious questions about the integrity and leadership within the PDP.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.
Huge Expectations Hover Around Edo State As Voter Card Forgery Case Against Asue Ighodalo For Hearing Today