Controversy hits Edo as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today announced the cancellation of its voter registration exercise in the state.

The decision made by INEC to cancel the exercise, rose from the widespread criticism by stakeholders and civil society groups who described the exercise as PDP's way of doing magu-magu to rig the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

A source within INEC’s headquarters said: “INEC had to cave in to pressure and criticism and cancel this voter registration exercise that both the Action Congress of Nigeria and civil society groups have called an open fraud.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole and leaders of the PDP were present as the news of the cancellation was announced to party representatives as well as candidates of the various political parties running for the Edo governorship election that is scheduled for July, 2012.

Also in the meeting were the Representatives from the All Nigeria Peoples Party, the Labor Party, and the Congress For Progressive Change (CPC).

Some general opinion said this decision of fresh voters' registration was a back-yard plan to enable PDP recruit fake voters from outside the state in order to rig the election. This led to violence in Benin City, leaving one person dead, and several others injured.

The battle continues for Tony Anenih, a PDP Chieftain and Governor Oshiomhole.

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