Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and transparent governorship election in Ondo State by removing the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola.
Makinde made this call during the flag-off of the PDP Governorship Campaign in Akure, stressing the need for a level playing field and warning against a repeat of the controversies that marred the Edo State Governorship Election.
“We will not watch and allow a repeat of the shenanigans that took place in the Edo State Governorship Election,” Makinde said. “I have a message for the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood. You must remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, because she is from Ondo State.”
Makinde emphasized that the PDP would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the electoral process, urging INEC to demonstrate fairness and transparency.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) swiftly responded to Makinde’s allegation, debunking his claim and emphasizing that Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State.
“Our attention has been drawn to an allegation made by the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, at his party’s campaign rally held today in Akure, in which he called on the INEC Chairman to remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Toyin Babalola, because ‘she is from Ondo State’,” INEC’s statement read.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State, in line with the Commission’s policy not to deploy a REC to his or her State of origin,” INEC clarified.
INEC also referenced a previous untrue allegation made by Makinde in 2020, accusing a senior official of collaborating with a federal university’s Vice Chancellor to undermine the election.
“In 2020, ahead of the last Governorship election in the same State, he accused a senior official of the Commission of working with the Vice Chancellor of a federal university to undermine the election. The allegation was untrue,” INEC stated.
INEC appealed to holders of high public office, such as Governor Makinde, to verify their information before making public allegations.
“We appeal to holders of high public office such as Governor Makinde to verify their information before making these serial, unfounded allegations,” INEC urged.
The electoral commission reassured the public of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
The PDP Governorship Campaign flag-off in Akure was attended by top party officials, including the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Ilya Umar Damagum, who presented the party’s flag to the governorship candidate, Chief Agboola Ajayi.
Makinde charged residents of Ondo State to elect Ajayi as governor, promising that the PDP would bring real hope to the state.
The rally saw a massive turnout of Ondo State residents, with Makinde expressing satisfaction with the enthusiasm and support for the PDP.
The Ondo State governorship election is scheduled for November 16, 2024. As the election draws near, political parties and stakeholders are intensifying their campaigns.
INEC’s response to Makinde’s allegation serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before making public statements, ensuring that the electoral process remains fair and credible.
