A huge crowd of Ondo natives has now gathered at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate reassignment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, from the state.
Naija News reports that demonstrators held banners and placards with slogans such as “Mahmoud: Relocate Babalola now” and “We don’t want to repeat the Edo debacle” as they stormed the national headquarters. It is understood that entry was effectively blocked.
They sought a meeting with INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to express their concerns.
The protest follows a similar appeal by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who raised the issue of Babalola’s alleged links with the ruling All Progressives Congress just a week ago.
Speaking at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) election rally in Akure, Makinde stressed that Babalola’s local ties in Ondo could jeopardize the fairness of the electoral process.
Echoing the governor’s views, Ayo Adeyemi, a leader of the protesters and convener of the Ondo Youth Alliance, told reporters that he had no personal grievances with the REC, but that he was concerned about the upcoming elections. He said potential bias cannot be overlooked.
“The relocation of Babalola is in the best interest of the people and INEC in terms of ensuring free and credible elections,” Adeyemi said.
“We urgently call on INEC to redeploy Ondo-based Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola from the state. I respect the accomplishments. But for free and fair elections in Ondo, we cannot allow Ms. Babalola to oversee the process. She grew up here and knows almost everyone in the public sector and the state. We know very well. Babalola has done nothing wrong. We just want her to be redeployed to another state to avoid any potential conflict of interest.” conveyed.
“We are not here to criticize the management of INEC. We just want an impartial REC to oversee the upcoming governorship elections,” he added.
INEC National Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Modibo Alkali (retd), in his address to the protesters, commended them for their disciplined conduct.
Mr. Alkali assured that the committee would consider Mr. Babalola’s concerns regarding his position.
“We appreciate your orderly arrival here. INEC operates impartially and is not affiliated with any political party or candidate. We function under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ” he said.
“We have received your letter and INEC will consider it thoroughly. Rest assured that your concerns will be analyzed and addressed by the Chairman.”
