Edo 2024: CVR Exercise, Testament of PDP’s Dominance in Edo State
By Amb. Tony Okonigene
The on going Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State is more of a referendum by Edolites in respect to the upcoming governorship elections in September. Pundits believe that the massive turnout of eligible voters, especially younger ones, despite the protests by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the exercise is a rejection of the Party in Edo State.
The APC had through press releases and organized protests, kicked against the CVR exercise in the state calling on their supporters not to participate. However, in a counter action, the PDP had encouraged eligible voters to come out and register. In a show of solidarity with the PDP, eligible voters have so far ignored the APC and heeded the calls by the PDP by turning out massively to register.
Most of the young eligible voters who were interviewed in their various registration centers across the state thanked the PDP for making it possible for them to register. They vowed to return the favour by voting for the PDP’s candidate, Barr. Asue Ighodalo, whom they see as the best amongst the contestants.
A frustrated APC leader in Akoko Edo Local Government Area (LGA) who simply identified himself as Onaivi said, “Our leaders assured us that Tinubu will not allow this CVR to hold. Is it not holding? We believed our leaders and did not prepare for it.This is how they will be deceiving the APC in Edo State. It is the same thing that will happen during the election. PDP has taken over everywhere in the State”.
Global Times Nigeria gathered that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, held meeting with leaders of political parties in Edo State. The meeting took place at the state head office in Benin, Edo State.
He commended the political parties for their conduct during the campaign period. However, he expressed concern over a recent attack on INEC staff by hoodlums during the CVR exercise, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and security of electoral processes.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted that only the people of Edo State can determine who they want to lead them, emphasising that it is crucial to protect their choices. He called for peace among aggrieved parties and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to sustaining democracy.
He also urged political parties to mobilize citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) while lamenting the large number of uncollected PVCs in the state.
