The flag bearer of the All Progressive Congressice in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial elections, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu could be in for a fresh trouble over the eligibility of his running mate, Gani Audu.
A luwsuit seeking for the disqualification of Ize-Iyamu has been at at the Federal Hugh Court in Abuja by the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
Trending Now: JAMB, Universities Announce Date For 2020 Post-UTME Exam
This is coming on the heels of heavy discrepancies discovered in the documents Gani submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The irregularities observed appear in varying documents and display a pattern similar to the inconsistencies found in the academic credentials of the sacked deputy governor of Bayelsa State, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, a situation that caused the sacking of the Chief David Lyon led APC government by the Supreme court on the grounds of nullification.
The ADP is seeking the court to rule that certificates and other documents submitted by Audu are forged, and that he is not fit to contest in the September 19 governorship election in the state.
In the documents, while Gani Audu swore to an affidavit submitted to INEC with his name as Audu Abudu Ganiyu, his other documents bear conflicting names.
According to legal expert, Mr Blessed Omonuwa, who assessed the documents, said, “While his name on the affidavit is Audu Abudu Ganiyu, in his voter’s card, his name is Audu Abdul Ganiyu. Likewise, in his APC membership card, his name appears as Gani Audu. The WASSCE/GCE certificate he submitted bears Audu Ahudu Ganeyu
“His APC membership card bears the name Audu Gani. The discrepancies are bewildering. The action violates section 182 (1) (j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
“Hence, there is no way we can say that a person with this conflict of names is the same as the Gani Audu we see today on the campaign trail of the candidate of the APC.
“The only explanation one can hazard is that he may have used the academic credentials of another person and tried to pass off as that person.
“The case is watertight and may well spell the end of the APC campaign trail as they are sure to suffer the same fate as their party’s candidate in Bayelsa, who had similar liabilities in his certificate.”
Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC govenorship candidate will face incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP in the election.
