A group of youths in Ondo State have staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Akure, calling for the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The protesters accused Babalola of aligning with certain politicians ahead of the upcoming governorship election, scheduled for November 16.
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Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters claimed that Babalola’s continued presence as the state’s chief electoral officer could jeopardize the integrity of the election.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ijanusi Olawale alleged that Babalola has been fraternizing with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), raising concerns about her impartiality.
Olawale further alleged that Babalola is a card-carrying member of the APC, which he argued compromises her ability to oversee a free and fair election.
The protesters demanded that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, transfer Babalola out of Ondo and appoint a neutral REC to ensure a credible election.
Olawale emphasized that Babalola’s alleged political ties pose a conflict of interest, which undermines the people’s trust in the electoral process.
Attempts to reach the REC for a response were unsuccessful, as her phone was switched off.
However, the administrative secretary of INEC in Ondo State, Biodun Amosun, assured the public that the commission would address the concerns raised by the protesters.
Amosun also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a transparent and unbiased election where every vote would count.
