As the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State approaches, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reiterated its call for the redeployment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola. The opposition party expressed concerns over her neutrality, citing her deep connections with the state and its people.
In an open letter addressed to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, the PDP, through its state secretary Oluseye Olujimi, emphasized that Babalola’s residency in Ondo State, particularly in Akure South, raises questions about her impartiality in overseeing the election. The party urged for a replacement with a non-partisan official to preserve public confidence in the election process.
The letter pointed to concerns that Babalola’s longstanding ties to Ondo State and her alleged meetings with the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), compromise her ability to remain neutral. The PDP warned that failure to replace her could undermine the integrity of the upcoming election and lead to a public backlash.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State also previously joined the call for her removal, warning of continued protests if the REC is not replaced. Despite these concerns, INEC has maintained that Babalola will remain in her position, a decision the PDP has criticized as neglecting the REC’s residency status and potential bias.
