Scores of youths have staged a protest demanding the immediate removal of Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State. The demonstration took place at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, where the protesters accused Babalola of compromising the electoral process by allegedly aligning with politicians ahead of the upcoming governorship election.
The INEC has scheduled the off-cycle governorship election for November 16, with 17 political parties expected to participate. The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, expressing their concerns that Babalola’s continued role as the state’s chief electoral officer could jeopardize the election’s integrity.
Ijanusi Olawale, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, claimed that Babalola has been “fraternizing” with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that she is a card-carrying member of the party. He emphasized the need for her removal to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, stating, “The compromised position of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola is further undermined by her activities and alliance with members of political parties within the state, which clearly indicates a conflict of interest.”
Olawale urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to transfer Babalola to another state and appoint a neutral and unbiased official for the election. He warned that Babalola’s associations with prominent APC politicians indicate a polarization of the electoral process, which could erode public trust in democracy.
Attempts by Daily Trust to reach Babalola for comment were unsuccessful as her phone was switched off. However, the administrative secretary of INEC in Ondo State, Biodun Amosun, stated that the commission would address the youths’ allegations. He reassured the public that INEC remains committed to being an impartial electoral body and emphasized that all votes would count in the upcoming election.
“We will look at the various issues. We can assure you that the issue will be adequately addressed. But one important thing is that votes will count in Ondo State,” Amosun affirmed.
News Editor