Group protests at INEC office in Ondo, demands transfer of REC over ‘ties with APC’

The Ondo State Vanguard has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy Oluwatoyin Babalola, the resident electoral commissioner (REC), ahead of the state governorship election.

INEC has fixed November 16 for the Ondo governorship election.

On Wednesday, protesters gathered at the INEC office in Akure, the state’s capital, with placards bearing different inscriptions.

The group said the call for Babalola’s redeployment is due to her alleged ties with the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In a petition addressed to Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, the group expressed a lack of confidence in the REC’s ability to conduct a free and fair election in the state.

The petition dated September 27, was filed on behalf of the group by Adeniyi Farinto & Co. legal practitioners.

The petitioner alleged that Babalola ”fraternized with some politicians” and had “three nocturnal meetings” with Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the APC governorship candidate — further casting doubts on the election’s integrity.

“We were reliably informed by our clients, that Mrs. Oluwatoxin Babalola was appointed as Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner on Monday, 18th December, 2023 to replace Dr. Rufus Akeju preparatory to theroff cycle Governorship Election coming up in Ondo State on the 16th day of November, 2024,” the petition reads.

“We were further informed by our clients, whom we verily believe, that the said Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, upon assumption of office since the 18th day of December, 2023, has started fraternizing with prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftains in Ondo State.

“Members like the Chairman of the party in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin and His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa before the primary Elections conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the 20th day of April, 2024.

“A discreet investigation revealed that Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola held three nocturnal meetings with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa between April 20, 2024, when the APC primary election took place, and the present.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor and APC flagbearer, is set to contest in the November 16, 2024, election.”

The group alleged that the REC, born and educated in Akure, has shown support for the APC and its candidate through recent actions, including unilaterally validating the APC primary election report.

‘BASELESS ALLEGATIONS’

Reacting to the petition, Babalola insisted that allegations of secret meetings were baseless, affirming INEC’s commitment to neutrality and equal engagement with all political parties.

“In INEC, we relate with all political parties; I have been operating open door policies to all and I don’t have any preferred candidate for the election,” she said.

“I am not a member of any political party. In this election, we will ensure every vote counts and I promise, there won’t be any bias, in this election, the election will be free, fair and credible.”