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INEC Dismisses PDP’s Call For Ondo REC’s Removal

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1 month ago

Oct 21, 2024.

The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has renewed its call for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, citing her deep ties to the state as a potential conflict of interest ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the party stressed that Babalola’s long-term residency in Ondo, where she has lived for over 30 years, raises concerns about her impartiality.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that t

he PDP further alleged that Mrs. Babalola has associations with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and insisted that her continued presence as REC could compromise the integrity of the election.

The party argued that INEC’s response to previous calls for her redeployment failed to address the issue of her residency, which they believe undermines public confidence in the commission’s neutrality.

INEC, however, has maintained its position that there is no credible evidence of unethical or criminal behavior to warrant Babalola’s removal.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, reiterated that the commission does not redeploy officials based on unsubstantiated claims or political pressures.

INEC PDP Ondo REC

He emphasized that the REC will not be removed, urging the PDP to collaborate with INEC to ensure a free and fair election in the state.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has also voiced his support for the PDP’s call, warning that failure to address the matter could impact the credibility of the election. Despite these concerns, INEC remains firm in its stance, focusing on its mandate to conduct credible elections and calling for cooperation from all stakeholders in the upcoming gubernatorial election.