Kehinde Fajobi
Scores of demonstrators from Ondo gathered at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
Waving banners with slogans such as “Mahmood: Redeploy Babalola Now” and “We Don’t Want a Repeat of Edo Fiasco,” the protesters blocked the entrance to the national secretariat, calling for a meeting with INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu to express their concerns.
The protest follows a similar request made by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who cited worries over Babalola’s alleged ties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a Peoples Democratic Party campaign rally in Akure, Makinde argued that Babalola’s background in Ondo could compromise the electoral process’s neutrality.
Ayo Adeyemi, the leader of the demonstrators and convener of the Ondo Youth League, voiced their position, stating that while they held no personal grievances against Babalola, they could not risk potential bias in the upcoming election.
“Redeploying Babalola is in the best interest of our people and INEC to ensure a free and credible election,” Adeyemi said.
He added, “We urgently demand that INEC redeploy Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, from the state. We respect her accomplishments, especially as a woman who has risen to such a prominent position. But for a free and fair election in Ondo, we can’t have Babalola overseeing the process. She grew up here, knows nearly everyone in the public sector, and is highly familiar with the state. Babalola hasn’t done anything wrong; we simply want her reassigned to another state to avoid any possible conflict of interest.”
“We’re not here to criticise INEC’s operations; we just want an unbiased REC to oversee the upcoming governorship election.”
In response to the protesters, INEC National Commissioner Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd) commended their orderly conduct and assured them that the commission would consider their concerns regarding Babalola’s position.
“We appreciate seeing you come here well-organised. INEC operates impartially, without alignment to any political party or candidate. We function under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.
“We’ve received your letter, and INEC will consider it thoroughly. Rest assured, your concerns will be analysed and addressed by the commission chairman.”