'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has swiftly refuted claims made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who called for the removal of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, ahead of the state's November 16, 2024, governorship election. Governor Makinde, speaking during the flag-off of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign yesterday in Akure, alleged that Mrs. Babalola is an indigene of Ondo State, raising concerns about her impartiality in the upcoming election.
Governor Makinde emphasized that the PDP would continue to protest until Mrs. Babalola is removed, suggesting that her involvement would compromise the integrity of the election. He argued that her role as REC would hinder the conduct of a free, fair, and credible election.
However, INEC, in a quick response, denied the governor’s allegations, clarifying that Mrs. Babalola is not from Ondo State. The electoral body reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, stating that its policy prohibits deploying a REC to their state of origin. According to the commission, Mrs. Babalola’s posting is in full compliance with this rule.
INEC further recalled a similar unfounded accusation made by Governor Makinde during the 2020 Ondo governorship election, where he accused a senior INEC official of conspiring with a university vice-chancellor to undermine the election. The commission reiterated that those claims, like the current one, were baseless.
INEC appealed to political leaders, including Governor Makinde, to verify their information before making public allegations that could undermine trust in the electoral process. The commission assured the public that it remains committed to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election in Ondo State.
The November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State is expected to be closely watched, and INEC’s statement serves as a reminder of its dedication to maintaining electoral integrity.