Democracy so far has been the best child from the wombs of human governance. The fact that every body has a shred to the mantle in his vote is a means for the common man to rule from his small boys quarter. This is why an electoral process is essentially sacred and should never be compromised.

Thus the INEC in response to this solemn duty has pledged to investigate the registration of 8,000 militants allegedly carried out by the Peoples Democratic Party for the Edo State governorship election.

The outgoing Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, had raised the outcry that the PDP had supervised the registration of the alleged number of militants with the major target of employing them illicitly in wrecking havoc during the postponed election.

Governor Oshiomhole, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, in his allegations pointed out that the recruitment of the said militants was condoned across neighbouring states which cuts across Delta and Rivers. Although the two states have debunked the accusation.

Commenting on the allegation, the commission had remarked that its attention is yet to settle on the fears of the governor, but yet assured that it was very much prepared to launch investigations prior to the election.

Mr. Nick Dazang who occupies the position of the commission’s Deputy Director in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, had announced in Abuja via means of an interview, “The commission is not aware of the allegation that over 8,000 militants were registered as voters for the governorship election in Edo State. This allegation is grievous, but we have not been officially informed

“We will not close our eyes or ears to such a serious allegation. As soon as it is officially brought to our notice, the commission will swing into action by investigating it.
“We will do everything within our powers and within the law to have a credible election in the state. So, we are waiting to be briefed on the matter.”

The PDP in response had cried that the accused registration of militants should not be employed as a guise to distort the the voter registration process in Edo state.

Prince Dayo Adeyeye who is the spokesperson for the PDP had expresses his bewilderment as to how the militants could have gained registration outside the knowledge of the commission which was responsible for the registration exercise.

Adeyeye said, “It is good, if the commission can investigate it. At least, Governor Oshiomhole will be able to tell Nigerians where and when the PDP registered the so-called militants.
“Were they registered by INEC? If not, which organisation registered them? Were they registered as voters or as observers? For what purpose? And when did Oshiomhole suddenly discovered the registration of the alleged militants?”

We here therefore urged the INEC to do a proper survey of the allegation at hands. This is the voice of the people of Edo state about to speak, it should not be twisted. The votes must be legitimate and must count!