Protesters stormed the INEC office, urging the removal of Ondo’s REC ahead of the governorship election. Learn about the ongoing protest and concerns.
A large group of youths have demanded the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Mr. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The protesters on Wednesday gathered outside the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Akure, accusing Mr. Babalola of colluding with certain politicians ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election.
INEC has scheduled the unscheduled gubernatorial election for November 16, which will see 17 political parties participating.
The youths expressed their concerns through posters bearing various inscriptions, alleging that Mr. Babalola’s continued presence as the state’s Chief Electoral Officer could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process.
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The protesters’ representative, Ijanusi Olawale, alleged that Mr. Babalola had compromised his position by “fraternizing” with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.
Olawale further maintained that the REC is a registered member of the APC and that its disengagement from the commission is essential to ensure fair and transparent elections.
The protesters called on the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to transfer Babalola out of Ondo State and appoint a neutral and impartial person to oversee the upcoming gubernatorial election.
“Oluwatoyin Babalola’s precarious position is further undermined by her activities and alliances with political party members in the state, which are clear conflicts of interest.
“These interests threaten to undermine the foundations of our democracy and jeopardize the confidence of the people of the state in the electoral process.” That is why we are demanding that she go. She should leave this state and go somewhere else. We cannot trust any process that will be conducted under her.
“Even her association with prominent politicians in Ondo State, especially members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), shows polarization in the electoral process and has led to loss of faith in democratic institutions,” he said.
All efforts by OBASANJONEWS to get a response from the REC failed as her mobile phone was switched off.
But the Executive Secretary of the commission in the state, Mr Biodun Amosun, told our correspondent on the phone that the allegations made by the youths were being investigated.
Amosun, however, assured that INEC remains an impartial electoral body and will ensure that every vote is counted in the next election.
“I will assure you that the INEC Chairman will look into the matter. The Chairman will look into the allegations and the allegations.
“We will look into the various questions.” I can assure you that the matter will be properly addressed, but what is important is that the votes of Ondo State will be counted,” he added.
