We won’t redeploy Ondo REC, INEC replies PDP

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected a request from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo.

The party had asked for the redeployment of Toyin Babalola, the Ondo resident electoral commissioner (REC), ahead of the state’s governorship election billed for November 16.

Last week, INEC had denied an allegation by Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, that the REC was an indigene of Ondo.

In a recent letter addressed to Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, the PDP said even if it is true that Babalola is not an indigene of the state, she has been residing in Ondo for more than three decades.

The party said this makes her unfit for the role of umpire in the forthcoming election.

“A diligent check on the background of the REC would have revealed to you that, not only did she grow up in Ondo State, but that she currently also lives in her parents’ house which is No. 3, Majekodunmi Street, Ijoka Area, Akure town, the state capital,” the letter reads.

“Even if she were not of Ondo state origin by birth, the constitution of Nigeria makes it quite clear, that anyone who has lived in a particular place for 10 years, statutorily qualifies for recognition as an indigene.

“Chairman Sir, it is obvious that your office did not do a diligent check before issuing that unfortunate statement.

“That unfortunate omission on your part sadly gives the impression that INEC cares less, should the issue of the REC’s residency status and dubious integrity result in avoidable controversies and/or crises, that may fall out from any unwitting act of replicating in the upcoming Ondo State election, the controversial APC template so ignominiously used in the recent Edo State gubernatorial election, the dust from which is yet to settle.”

Reacting to the letter, Rotimi Oyekanmi, spokesperson to the INEC chairman, told TheCable that the REC will not be redeployed because there has been no evidence of unethical behaviour against her.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) posts and redeploys resident electoral commissioners (RECs) based on an established policy,” he said.

“In the same manner, the conditions for relieving a REC of his or her duty are also in the extant laws.

“So far, nobody has come up with any genuine, incontrovertible evidence of criminal or unethical activity against the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Ondo state.

“The REC will not be redeployed. The commission is determined to conduct a free, fair and credible election in Ondo state and we appeal to all contesting political parties to cooperate with us.”