PDP Accused Of Exploiting Flood-Crisis To Manipulate Voter-Register In Edo State

PDP Accused Of Exploiting Flood-Crisis To Manipulate Voter-Register In Edo State

The recent catastrophic flooding that wreaked havoc on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Amidst the chaos caused by the deluge, the PDP stands accused of attempting to exploit the situation to surreptitiously insert the name of Asue Akintunde Ighodalo into the voters’ register.

Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, disclosed that the flooding had inflicted extensive damage on INEC’s infrastructure and equipment, rendering them inoperable. The severity of the damage underscores the logistical challenges faced by the electoral commission, challenges that cannot be easily overcome.

The timing of the PDP’s insistence on proceeding with the CVR in the aftermath of the flood raises suspicions regarding its motives. Asue Akintunde Ighodalo, purportedly not registered as a voter in Edo State, has become the focal point of allegations suggesting an ulterior agenda behind the PDP’s eagerness to resume the registration process.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has voiced its concerns, citing evidence of PDP’s previous attempts to manipulate voter registration data and highlighting the compromised integrity of the electoral process. The collusion between certain INEC officials and the outgoing PDP-led government has further fueled doubts about the fairness and transparency of the CVR exercise.

The APC contends that the resumption of the CVR without addressing the logistical aftermath of the flooding only serves to undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Instead of rushing to proceed with registration, the focus should be on repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure and equipment to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

Comrade Jarrett Tenebe, Acting State Chairman of the APC in Edo State, has called on INEC to prioritize addressing the challenges posed by the flood crisis and refrain from succumbing to pressure from the PDP. The credibility of the electoral process hinges on INEC’s ability to uphold fairness and transparency, irrespective of external influences.

As Edo State navigates through this tumultuous period, it is imperative that all stakeholders prioritize the sanctity of the electoral process to safeguard the democratic principles upon which the nation’s governance is built.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr