As the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State approaches, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has renewed its demand for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The party made this request in an open letter addressed to INEC’s National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
The PDP claims that Babalola’s established ties to Ondo State, where she is a resident, undermine her ability to oversee a fair election. They argue that her permanent residence in Akure South and familial connections disqualify her from serving impartially in this capacity.
Party Secretary Oluseye Jimi expressed concern that Babalola’s continued role could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. He emphasized the need for a non-partisan replacement to restore public confidence in INEC’s impartiality.
In their letter, the PDP stated: “We are calling on you, to as a matter of urgency, replace the Resident Electoral Commissioner with a non-partisan official with no previous association with Ondo State.” They highlighted that previous requests for her removal have not been adequately addressed, pointing to a recent statement from INEC that suggested Babalola would not be removed based on her residency status.
The PDP further criticized INEC for failing to conduct proper background checks on Babalola, raising concerns over her alleged meetings with the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. They argue that these interactions cast doubt on her neutrality and raise fears of bias against other candidates.
The letter concluded by urging INEC to take their concerns seriously, citing the fragile state of Nigeria’s democracy and the potential for unrest if the current situation is not addressed. The party remains vigilant, with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State vowing to continue protests until their demands are met.
