Protesters Demand Removal of Ondo REC Oluwatoyin Babalola at INEC Office
A group of young protesters gathered at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Akure on Wednesday, calling for the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
The protesters accused Babalola of having inappropriate ties with certain politicians ahead of the upcoming governorship election, which INEC has scheduled for November 16, involving 17 political parties.
Carrying placards with various messages, the youths expressed concern that Babalola’s continued position as the state’s chief electoral officer could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process.
Ijanusi Olawale, who represented the group, alleged that Babalola had compromised her role by collaborating with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. He claimed she was a card-carrying member of the APC and insisted that her removal was essential for ensuring a fair election.
Olawale urged INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to reassign Babalola to another state and appoint a neutral chief electoral officer to oversee the election.
“The compromised status of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola is evident in her associations with political figures, creating a conflict of interest that threatens our democracy and erodes public trust in the electoral process,” he stated. “Her connections with prominent APC members signal a polarization that undermines the electoral integrity.”
Attempts by Daily Trust to reach Babalola for a response were unsuccessful, as her phone was switched off. However, Biodun Amosun, the administrative secretary of INEC in the state, assured that the allegations would be addressed.
Amosun reiterated that INEC remains impartial and committed to ensuring that every vote counts in the upcoming election. “The INEC Chairman will review the concerns and allegations raised. We will thoroughly examine the issues, and I assure you that the election process will be fair in Ondo State,” he stated.
