Ahead of the forthcoming Edo governorship election, there are alarming revelations about plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to import voters from outside the state.
According to a close associate of the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the party has orchestrated arrangements to bring in voters from other states, with alleged support from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The associate who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told journalists in Benin City that he had to expose the plan because of the security implications of bringing in aliens to Edo state.
”This is beyond politics. Like every other state in the country, Edo has its own security challenges. Bringing in thugs will further complicate things. I don’t subscribe to this type of politics, that’s why I am giving you people this information. Please protect my identity,” he said.
The source further claimed that the APC intends to facilitate the arrival of these voters, specifically from Akwa Ibom State, to bolster Okpebholo’s chances in the September 21, 2024, election.
”Senate President Godswill Akpabio is the one behind this and he has already gotten the fake voters ready. They are to be brought in from Ikot Ekpene,” he stated.
He also said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might be complicit in the plan.
”This plan has the backing of some senior INEC officials, and this raises questions about the credibility of the upcoming election,” he added.
Meanwhile, the revelation of the plot has sparked outrage and calls for immediate action to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Stakeholders and opposition parties are already demanding a thorough investigation into the allegations to prevent any potential manipulation of the election outcome.