Protest Erupts at INEC as Calls Intensify for Ondo REC’s Removal

Demonstrators stormed the INEC office, urging the immediate redeployment of Ondo’s Resident Electoral Commissioner to ensure impartiality in the upcoming elections.

Numerous protesters from Ondo State gathered at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the prompt reassignment of Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.

Holding banners and placards bearing messages such as “Mahmood: Redeploy Babalola Now” and “We Don’t Want a Repeat of Edo Fiasco,” the protesters obstructed access to INEC’s national secretariat. They sought an audience with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to voice their concerns.

The protest comes after a similar appeal by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who voiced concerns regarding Babalola’s purported ties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during a Peoples Democratic Party campaign rally in Akure.

Makinde contended that Babalola’s background might jeopardize the impartiality of the electoral process.

Ayo Adeyemi, the head of the demonstrators and organizer of the Ondo Youth League, backed the governor’s stance. He expressed that although they held no personal issues with the REC, they could not jeopardize impartiality in the forthcoming elections.

Adeyemi mentioned that relocating Babalola serves the best interests of both our people and INEC, aiming to guarantee a fair and credible election.

READ ALSO: Ganduje Urges Ondo to Back APC, Honors Tinubu’s Leadership

He stated, “We urgently request that INEC relocate Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, from her current position in the state. While we hold great respect for her achievements—particularly as a woman who has attained such an esteemed role—we believe she should not oversee elections in Ondo to ensure they are free and fair. Her deep ties to the region, familiarity with public sector personnel here and intimate knowledge of local affairs could present potential conflicts.”

Babalola hasn’t done anything wrong; we just want her reassigned to another state to prevent any potential conflict of interest.

“We’re not here to criticize INEC’s operations; we simply seek an impartial REC to manage the upcoming governorship election.”

In response to the protesters, Major General Modibbo Alkali (Retired), an INEC National Commissioner, praised them for their orderly behavior.

Alkali guaranteed them that the commission would take into account their concerns about Babalola’s position.

“We’re glad to see you arrived well-prepared. INEC conducts its operations impartially, with no affiliation to any political party or candidate. We operate under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“We have received your letter, and INEC will give it careful consideration,” he said. “Rest assured that the commission chairman will analyze and address your concerns.”