Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, has dismissed the allegations that he forged his university certificate.
Obaseki spoke during a meeting with ward leaders in Oredo local government area of the state.
A suit was filed against the governor over allegations of certificate forgery.
The plaintiffs alleged that the governor forged his bachelor of arts (B.A.) certificate in classical studies from the University of Ibadan and prayed the court to disqualify him from contesting the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
Chris Ogiemwonyi, one of the governorship aspirants under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, also alleged that Obaseki was foisted on the state in 2016.
But reacting to the allegations, Obaseki wondered how he could have forged a certificate from the University of Ibadan, adding that he would never cover up issues regarding his certificates.
He also said he won the 2016 elections including that of his ward, saying the documented election results are available for scrutiny.
He said the governorship election will be a turning point in the history of the state, promising that his administration will be an inclusive one if he is reelected.
“I am just going round to say thank you to my people for their support so far. I am assuring them that I will continue my good work in the state.
“When people come out to lie that I didn’t win my ward during the last election, they forget that election results are documented.
“They say I forged my certificate. How can you forge the certificate of the University of Ibadan? I am not like those that burn buildings to cover up their certificate issues.
“We have been practising democracy for 21 years now. We cannot continue to behave the same way. This time, we will change the narrative.
“This will be a government of the people by the people and for the people. It will not be a government of the people by a few people.”
On their part, the APC leaders pledged their continuous support for the governor.
The governorship election is scheduled to hold on September 19.