A group of protesters from the Ondo Youth League, Action for Credible and Transparent Elections, gathered at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday calling for the redeployment of Ondo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The protesters, armed with placards, expressed concerns over Mrs. Babalola’s impartiality, citing her alleged ties to the ruling party in Ondo State. This development comes after Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State recently alleged that Mrs. Babalola hails from Ondo State, prompting INEC to dismiss the claim as unfounded.
Addressing journalists, the leader of the protesters, Mr. Ayo Adeyemi, said: “From our findings, Mrs. Babalola has lived many years in Ondo State, and there are growing concerns over her impartiality and potential bias in the forthcoming election.”
The Ondo Youth League is demanding Mrs. Babalola’s immediate redeployment to ensure transparency and credibility in the November 16 governorship election.
In response, INEC National Commissioner Major General Modibbo Alkali reassured the protesters that the electoral body remains impartial and committed to conducting a fair election.
“We have no political party, no candidate,” he said. “INEC will not disappoint the people of Ondo State.”
The protest highlights tensions ahead of the November 16 election, with various stakeholders calling for transparency and accountability.
As the electoral process unfolds, INEC faces increasing pressure to demonstrate its commitment to credible and fair elections.
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