Ondo Youths Demand INEC REC Babalola’s Redeployment Ahead Of Gubernatorial Election

Ondo Youths Demand INEC REC Babalola’s Redeployment Ahead Of Gubernatorial Election

A group of youths, operating under the name Ondo State Youth Vanguard, took to the streets of Akure to protest against Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State. They called for her immediate redeployment, alleging that she has been engaging with politicians ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election on November 16…….CONTINUE READING 

Carrying placards with slogans such as “Ondo REC must be changed,” “Our election must count,” and “Ondo REC must go,” the protesters expressed their concerns regarding Babalola’s impartiality and neutrality. Olawale Ijanusi, who led the protest, voiced their frustrations, claiming that Babalola had been holding private meetings with certain political leaders, which raised doubts about her ability to conduct a fair election.

Ijanusi noted that Babalola has lived in Ondo State for over a decade with her parents, who are active members of a political party. He stated, “The Ondo State REC has been living in Akure, at No. 3 Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka area, with her parents for more than ten years before her appointment, and her parents are known card-carrying members of a political party. These facts, which are publicly known, demonstrate that Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola cannot be a fair and unbiased umpire in the forthcoming Ondo State Governorship Election.”

The protesters raised concerns about rumors that Babalola has been engaging with certain political parties, including the APC, PDP, and Labour Party. They cautioned her to cease any such affiliations, asserting that such connections would compromise the integrity of the election. “If she is affiliated with any party, there’s no way the election will be free and fair. That’s why we demand her replacement for the sake of this election. Our votes must count because Ondo is not Edo State,” Ijanusi emphasized.

The group stressed that INEC has a responsibility to uphold voter trust and ensure a transparent electoral process. They urged the Commission to appoint a neutral and credible individual to oversee the gubernatorial election.

In response to the protest, Abiodun Amosun, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Ondo, commended the peaceful nature of the demonstration and assured the youths that their concerns would be taken seriously. He confirmed that the allegations against Babalola would be reviewed by the national headquarters of INEC in Abuja.

Amosun stated, “INEC, as the umpire, is committed to ensuring a free and fair election in the state. The issue concerning the REC will be discussed at the headquarters, as she was appointed from Abuja.” He encouraged the protesters to monitor the electoral process closely, reassuring them that INEC would not tamper with their votes and suggested the establishment of situation rooms to track results from polling units.

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